Following a magnificent win at Witton Albion on Saturday Spartans’ boss Tom Wade was not only ‘over the moon’ he wasn’t far behind the Voyager 1 spacecraft!
“We were magnificent. The lads gave it everything and I couldn’t have asked for more,” he said. “After the opening ten minutes, when Witton created a couple of chances, we got into the game and started to boss it.”
Midfielder Neal Hooks was dismissed near the end of the first half in controversial circumstances.
Wade commented: “ Hooksey is very rarely booked and had never previously been sent off in his life. We didn’t clear the ball properly and got caught out and Hooksey had to make a last ditch tackle. The lad went down very easily and for some reason Neal was shown the red card. Even their players and manager said it wasn’t a sending off! Michal Misiewicz, on his debut in goal, made a fantastic save from the penalty and, even with being down to ten men, we got stronger and managed to keep the ball really well.
“We continued to boss the game in the second half with a 4-4-1 formation and restricted them to only a few chances.”
Blyth took the lead after 82 minutes.
“Matty Wade was brought down for a clear cut penalty. It was a disgusting two-footed tackle which should have resulted in a straight red card in my opinion. Robbie [Dale] took the pen well to score,” said Wade.
The visitors were reduced to nine men on 92 minutes when Craig Hubbard received a second yellow card.
The Spartans manager said: “His first card should really have been only a talking to although the second one was justified. But down to nine players and carrying the injured Matty for the final 15 minutes we really put a shift in.”
As well as being delighted with his squad Wade was equally pleased with the travelling support.
“The fans were unbelievable! The team went the extra mile and the supporters did too. That combination makes for great team spirit and gives you a solid platform to build on. The lads truly appreciate the support they get.”
The win moved Blyth in to fifth place in the League and only two points off the top spot.
Wade’s target before the Witton game was accomplished in that single game.
“Before Saturday I was thinking I’d be pleased to get three points from the next three away games. We have those three points now so if we pick up results at Chorley and Barwell it will be a bonus. Realistically I think when the teams below us, with games in hand, catch up with us we will probably be sitting around eight or ninth.”
Hopes of getting something from the match at Chorley on Tuesday are likely to be tempered by an alarming ‘missing’ list.
“Joe Kendrick and Dean Holmes will still be out, Ryan Cummings is with England Colleges, Matty has only a 20% chance of getting on the pitch, Ian Watson picked up a groin injury on Saturday while Craig Hubbard’s wife in being induced on Tuesday!” Wade said.
However new signing from Newcastle Benfield midfielder Lewis Horner could well make his debut.