Blyth manager Tom Wade got what he wanted from Saturday’s 2-1 win over Witton Albion at Croft Park.
“I hoped for three main things before the game,” he said. “The first was to get the three points. Secondly to rest a couple of players and third to give new signing Michael Richardson as much match time as possible.”
He continued: “It was a very exciting game. Thought we were excellent in the first half but, and I’ll say it again, we need to finish teams off. We looked tired after the break but managed a late surge after we made the two substitutions.”
Striker Daniel Maguire went off after 35 minutes with a leg injury which Wade later said was precautionary with the FA Cup tie at Hartlepool on the horizon.
Newcastle United midfielder Richardson impressed on his debut.
“For the first 25 minutes Michael was outstanding,” said the Spartans boss. “He hasn’t played for seven weeks and on his debut it was always going to be the case where he shone then faded a little. I reckon it will take him until after Christmas to get properly match fit.”
Wade will have his players training on Monday and Wednesday in advance of Friday’s Cup clash.
“We will be just ticking over on Monday evening,” he said. “Then on Wednesday we will work on set pieces and shape. It’s important that the players are relaxed before the Hartlepool game. They need to enjoy the occasion on Friday while giving it a real go at the same time!”