Spartans matchwinner Joe Kendrick praised his team mates following the last gasp win over Ilkeston FC today. The defender crashed home an injury time penalty to give his side three points and was delighted with the attitudes shown by everyone in a Spartans shirt. He said “It’s a great result and it’s great to come away from a tough game with three points. The lads kept going today and the attitude of the team was excellent. We never gave up and I’m so proud to play with all of them. They’re a good group of lads and they try their very best for the club and we want to do well for the supporters and that’s all you can ask.”
Kendrick took the all important penalty after Robbie Dale had been fouled in the box and stepped up to convert his third spot kick of the season after earlier efforts against Whitby Town and Marine. The former Darlington and Mansfield Town player was placed on the transfer list by former manager Paddy Atkinson but has found himself back in the picture since Wade has took over and wanted to make something clear regarding the penalty and his future. He revealed “I’m used to taking penalties and I’ve taken a few in the last minutes of games before so I’m used to it. There’s no pressure really, I’m just happy to see it go in and the most important thing is the three points. What the fans have to know is I want to stay at the club and I enjoy it at Spartans. I love the club and I want us to be successful”
The win meant Wade became the first Spartans manager since Paul Baker to win his first game in full charge of the club and Kendrick wants the manager to be rewarded with another Croft Park victory as Kendal Town come to Northumberland on Tuesday night. He said “Two wins in a row for Tom(the first one being when he covered for Paddy at Kendal) is excellent and I’m pleased for him, it’s happy days isn’t it?. Tom has started off really well and the lads have taken to him. We will go into the game confident against Kendal and things are looking up so hopefully we can kick on and make it three wins in three.”