A bold, honest, determined performance underpinned by no little skill against visitors Trafford was rightly lauded by Spartans manager Tom Wade but he remained restrained in his match analysis.
“It went to plan,” he said. “We were set up well but we switched off at times and we were a little more cautious than I would like us to be but that is just inexperience. We need to support Robbie Dale more but that is down to the fear factor with players not wanting to push on too far. It was only our second game of the season and we are still finding our feet.”
The Spartans won the game 2-1 but were on the back foot when Trafford took the lead on 17 minutes courtesy of a penalty, with which Wade had no issue.
Joe Kendrick equalised within minutes. Once more a following a penalty decision after Daniel Maguire had been fouled.
Maguire then got himself on to the score sheet.
Wade said: “The goal came from some really good football. In fact we opened them up a couple of times during the game which was pleasing as they are not a bad side. Dan is getting better all the time. His confidence is growing and when he can come in from the right wing it brings something else to his game. When he is in the middle he has a big centre half on him all the time getting in to fights. He has a freer role out wide, as does Robbie.”
Arron Wearmouth came on for Dean Holmes just before the interval.
“He is definitely a young Robbie,” said Wade. “From where I was it was sometimes difficult which one of them had the ball! They both like to take men on, have similar running styles and get past people quickly in a couple of strides. As with Daniel and Robbie Arron has a licence to play but the three of them need to defend when called upon.”
The Blyth boss thought Mathew Wade did a sterling job in the middle of the pitch.
“Wadey did really well to make sure that their number eight couldn’t play and he did it very successfully. Bear in mind too that he’s not a ‘dog of war’ type player.
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Blyth were under pressure in the last few minutes.
Wade thought: “It’s hard to battle for a full 90 minutes and we have to learn to take chances and put teams away so we avoid that kind of pressure.”
Wade will have Ryan Cummings and Danny Parker back in the squad for Saturday’s visit of Worksop. However Matthew Wade is doubtful with a back injury and Dean Holmes has a hamstring tweak.