Blyth Spartans

Man of the match voting was as follows:

TOM TONKS 12

Richard Sho-Silva 9

Jordan Archer 7

Stuart Pierpoint 5

Matt Gould
Kayelden Brown } 2
Darryl Westlake

Josh Green
Ethan Jones } 1
Brad Birch
No-one

2 votes still to come

NICOLA PARTRIDGE won the wine

Thanks to everyone who took part

With our squad down to the bare bones, it was not a day to be up against the runaway leaders.

For the first 20 minutes or so, we gave as good as we got but, after the first goal, the big and powerful Blyth grew in confidence whereas ours sapped.

The late consolation goal from the hard-working Tom falsely suggests a close game whereas, if we're honest, they should have scored more. That they didn't was down to their profligacy and a good display by Matt.

I like the look of Richard but, though his commitment can't be faulted, Josh's lack of height is a weakness exploited by the opposition. Leon had a rare off-day but I could not understand why Kayelden didn't start upfront with Jordan who, most of the time, was battling all on his own with Ethan never looking a centre forward.

The reasons why we are without so many key players are well known but today only highlights the mistake in letting Junior leave.

Still, we shall not meet a better team this season than Blyth and if our injuries clear up quicker than thought and with additions promised, that coveted second place is still very much within our reach.

We'd have struggled to get anything from the game even with a fully-fit, pre-January team. Blyth were organised, their work-rate was phenomenal and they were the best league opponents we've faced for some time. I think to be honest they eased off a bit in the second half and 2-1 flattered us a bit. Still, we won't play anyone nearly as good as them for the rest of the season and the play-off places are there for the taking.

Thought we showed Blyth too much respect yesterday. We didn't have that confidence that was shooting through the team a few short weeks ago. We certainly stood off them far too much and Robbie Dale was allowed far too much space.
New faces need to gel we are told. That's true, but for the first 20+ minutes the guys looked ok. The heads dropped after the first goal and Gary defo not a happy bunny at half time and full time when he seemed to be giving the lady ref the benefit of his opinion.
Thought both Josh Green & Richard Sho silver did well, but disappointed in Jones, and Jordan needs his wing men back pronto !
Still think Tom would be better without the armband. He won't agree of course and neither will many others, but I thought he ran around too much trying to inspire his team and not enough trying to play like Tommy Tonks...!
Still, in Gary we trust and on to Monday against Warrington, now very much a must win game....and win it we will. COYG !