A game too far, was how Spartans’ manager Tom Wade described Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Nantwich Town at Croft Park.
“We’ve been carrying injured players for a few weeks now,” he said. “That, coupled with two suspensions, meant we struggled a bit at the weekend.
“We started sharply enough and looked as if we would kick on but we gave away a silly goal when we failed to close down Nantwich’s Devenney who struck a great shot past Michal [Misiewicz] in our goal. They went two up after 19 minutes after a mix up between our centre midfield players and Michal gave the penalty away. We lost our way a bit and our confidence was hit.
“There were a few home truths spoken in the dressing room at half time. That, alongside replacing Matty Wade with Ash Davis, meant a 4-4-2 formation which allowed us for go forward better. In truth I should have taken Matty off earlier as he was struggling with a knee injury picked up in the first ten minutes.
“Ash did well, looked strong and linked up well with young Dan Maguire. The pair did well especially as almost everyone else had an off day plus Arran Wearmouth and Lewis Horner were far from fully fit.
“Having said that we should have won the game. We were never dominated in what was an entertaining game. I know we can play better and we will be working on things in training this week.
“I’d like to thank the supporters who were superb and really noisy throughout the match. They realise what we are trying to do at the club and that we are very much a ‘work in progress’.”
Wade is concerned that the injuries to Wade junior and Horner may be long term but midfielders Neal Hooks and Craig Hubbard return from suspension in time for Saturday’s trip to Skelmersdale.
The Blyth boss also revealed that striker Robbie Nolan’s contract has been cancelled. The former North Shields player has struggled to get in the Spartans starting line up.
“It will be good for Robbie to go elsewhere and get some games under his belt,” said Wade. “He’s a natural goal scorer and he will do well, I’m sure.”