A wonderful 4-0 victory on Tuesday night had Blyth manager Tom Wade singing the praises of his squad but remaining grounded at the same time.
“It was a fantastic performance,” he said. “It was probably the best we’ve played since Altrincham at home and Skelmersdale away. It was breathtaking at times. We bossed the game, although we have to remember it is difficult for sides to travel to our place midweek and perform at their best so we need to keep our feet on the ground.”
The Spartans, especially in the first half, delivered a joyfully eye-catching show of structured spontaneity.
Wade commented: “We were so eager and enthusiastic. Lee [Picton] and I just said to them go out and play, and enjoy it. The pressure of the FA Cup run is now in the past and we threw of its shackles and were outstanding.
“Jordan Watson did exceptionally well having to move in to a centre back position. In fact he strolled it a bit. But the whole back five – goalkeeper, back four and Matty Wade protecting them, were excellent. And up front we had Maguire, Dale, Rivers and Richardson who didn’t stop running all game while Hooks and Turnbull controlled midfield. It gave us the opportunity to use our substitutes and keep something back for Saturday’s game against Stamford at Croft Park.”