After finally breaking three figures in terms of goal scoring for Spartans in the defeat at Witton Albion yesterday, Robbie Dale put personal issues aside and insisted that his side would improve before the visit of Stocksbridge Park Steels on Tuesday night. A fourteenth minute chip from Dale got Spartans back on level terms but a last minute penalty for the home side meant Spartans came away with nothing. Dale said “We did ok first half and it was a fairly even game but second half they were better and we just got overran. We had some half chances but a bit of sloppiness has cost us the game. On Tuesday we just need to stop panicking and anything can happen first game of the season but we have to stick together and with our first game at home on Tuesday night we will look to improve.”
Dale’s hundredth goal for the club was a long time coming according to the man whose first Spartans goal came in a 5-2 home win over Wakefield-Emley in March 2005, on a day when he hit a hat-trick. Commenting on his historic goal he said “It’s took a while, finally there and I’m really happy to have got it and I just want to get more for the club this season.” Many of the home fans and officials were speculating as to whether Dale meant his perfectly executed chip from a narrow angle but when asked if it was indeed intentional Dale simply replied “Yes, of course I meant it!”
Dale will be looking for more goals when Spartans open their Croft Park campaign with the visit of Stocksbridge Park Steels on Tuesday night, Steels lost their season opener 5-4 at home to Chorley on Friday night.