Blyth’s exemplary performance in their 1-0 victory over King’s Lynn in Norfolk on Saturday had manager Tom Wade purring with satisfaction.
“Brilliant! An outstanding overall team performance,” he said. “We had so many chances in the first half. Nipa [Daniel Maguire] could have scored three or four while Wadey [Mathew Wade] could have had a couple too. On another day they could have put us well ahead and I think that we will batter someone soon with the number of chances we’re regularly creating.
“We continued to have opportunities in the in the second half as well. What I really liked was the way we kept going. We’d said that the game was likely to end up 1-0 and we grafted superbly and deserved our goal.”
The Spartans took the lead after 67 minutes when Robbie Dale sent a measured looping header over Ashley Timms in the King’s Lynn goal immediately after Maguire had hit the home post.
The Linnets tried to press on in the final quarter of an hour but Blyth held firm with goalkeeper Conor Grant consolidating an eye-catching performance.
Wade said: “Conor has grown into what I would say is a ‘proper keeper’. He was very brave today and is sporting cut eye for his efforts. His catching was decisive and his kicking was strong. In fact we were set up for his kicks reaching the half way line but he was putting the ball 20yards higher up the pitch! For me he was the Man of the Match.
“But we were great across the pitch, the midfield were excellent once again and I was pleased with the endeavour from them all. When you think we have six under 21s in the side sometimes you just have to stand back and applaud them. Plus we’d been on the road for four hours with only a five minute stop off, so the commitment and energy we showed was quite special.”
Something of a brouhaha happened on the pitch after the final whistle with players and management of both sides involved.
Wade commented: “I talked to their manager after the game about it and, well it’s just passion really. No-one likes losing games. But, you know, Wadey was on the end of some unnecessary aggression from four of their players in the first half and we said at half time that we need to stand up for each other. Not by fighting but simply looking after your mates and not being intimidated. That’s one thing which makes a good side.”
Second in the table Skelmersdale United visit Croft Park this Saturday and the Blyth boss is wishing the intermediate week away.
“I can’t wait! Following our showing at King’s Lynn we will certainly be up for it.!”