Ashton United are no Brazil. Once the Spartans players worked that one out Tuesdays’ clash became much easier.
Blyth started the game slowly.
“We were a bit flat-footed from the start,” said manager Tom Wade. “The intensity of the match at the weekend took its toll. Ashton were a good, physical side and they came with a game plan to stop us playing and at one down at half time I would have been happy to pick up a point.
“But the lads went out early for the second half and worked out themselves how to play them. They realised they weren’t playing Brazil and went to dominate the last 20 minutes.”
Headed goals from Danny Parker and Matty Wade in the last ten minutes won the game for the home side.
Wade commented: “We got our second wind as the half wore on. They were very strong at the back so we did well to get those headers in. The lads were prepared to put their bodies on the line and that takes a lot of bottle. Matty had a bad first half but got stuck in and got better. It showed a lot of character.”
The Blyth boss explained why changes were made to his starting line up.
“People have to realise that we only have a 16 man squad and playing two games in a week can be challenging. Sometimes you have to look after the players. The next three or four games will be tough and we needed to move players around. Sometimes they have to play out of position for the greater good of the team.”
Wade revealed that Arron Wearmouth has signed a contract with the club. The former Bishop Auckland forward may return from injury at Witton Albion on Saturday.