Spartans manager Tom Wade celebrated his 200th game in a management capacity at Blyth with a rip-roaring second half showing from his side as they blew Darlington away in Tuesday’s FA Cup replay at Croft Park.
Three second half goals saw the home side progress to the second qualifying round and a trip to Skelmersdale.
Wade praised both his players and the Spartans supporters.
“To be honest in the first half we were just happy to contain them. Actually if they’d taken their chances they would have been out of sight,” he said. “But after the break we destroyed them. We were awesome and they couldn’t handle our pace. Once the lads started to believe in themselves they knew they could win the game. If we continue to play like that we will have no problems.
“We created some great chances and we could have won it by five or six. Robbie Dale’s goal is already a strong contender for Goal of the Season. He was put in a great ball from Dan Hawkins who, himself, got really involved as the game wore on.
“I’m just over the moon for the lads. They are a great bunch who really do work hard.”
The Blyth boss also enthused about what he termed ‘the Blyth Roar’ which was in evidence during the game and found a different form when, after the game, Spartans players were to a man applauded as they entered the Club House.
“The Blyth Roar stared after the second goal,” Wade said. “It was great to hear and supporters must understand that it is massive for the players to know that the fans are behind them. It means so much to them to have their support so I’d like to thank the supporters on behalf of us all!”