Blyth Spartans’ performance at Southport on Saturday was a credit to the Manager, Harry Dunn, and all his players. Coming off the back of an undeserved 3-2 defeat after extra time in the midweek Setanta Shield game at Harrogate the Spartans took on another top Blue Square North club and more than did themselves proud.

Indeed the hosts were quick to praise the visiting side. ‘Port’ Chairman recognised the fact that Blyth played some good football and “unlike some clubs who come to Haig Avenue didn’t try to kick us off the park!” His Manager, the former Manchester United and Sunderland player Peter Davenport, concurred.
”All credit to Blyth, they played well and gave us more problems than anyone else has this season at home. They were big, strong and organised and won the midfield battle. I have to say that I was very, very relieved at the end.”

Port still harbour ambitions of returning to the Football League – they lost that status 30 years ago just as the Spartans were making history in their famous, unequalled, FA Cup run. The clubs’ paths have crossed only rarely in the intervening period but on Saturday it was the Northumbrians who looked equally as confident in their ability to succeed.

Blyth boss Dunn commented, “We should have won the match. We did really well and were rarely under pressure and Adam Bartlett in our goal had little to do. I thought we were the better side on the day and the spirit was there for all to see. We were camped in their half for the final half hour and should have got something from the game.”

It was not only spirit which characterised Blyth’s showing but competence of a high order throughout the team. Dunn’s side are only falling short in terms of taking more of their opportunities in front of goal – a point on which Dunn and Captain Peter Snowdon agree. Dunn said “Both Harrogate and now Southport were not significantly better than us” while Snowdon suggested that “We are only losing these kind of games by the odd goal – we just need to be more clinical.”

Snowdon was very disappointed after the game. “We could well have taken the three points. Okay they were tidy on the ball and their two lads up front were a bit of a handful but after I scored I really believed that we could win it. In addition for Southport’s second goal, yes I could have cleared it a bit quicker, but their player definitely handled it in the approach play.” Nevertheless both he and Dunn are looking positively towards this weekend when Gainsborough Trinity travel to Croft Park for a FA Trophy tie. Snowdon commented, “They have beaten us twice already this season but only narrowly in the FA Cup tie down there. We know exactly what they’re like and we believe we can beat them but we need to prove that this Saturday.” Dunn backed him up “We’ve nothing to be frightened of. There’s money and prestige riding on the game and we will be up for it – you can count on that. I’ll be more than happy if we play like we did against Harrogate and Southport.”