Blyth’s players stayed over in Chester after the game at AFC Telford on Saturday. According to Manager Harry Dunn a good night out was had by all after the disappointment of losing the game had dissipated. There can be no denying that the Spartans side thoroughly deserved to let their hair down after another fighting display in which they only let their guard down towards the end of a intriguing 90 minutes.

Dunn commented, “I was really pleased with the way we played overall. We acquitted ourselves well and for long periods we were the better side and just as strong as Telford.”

Certainly in the first period the visitors dominated with a dashing display – despite going a goal down in the early stages. “Yes the first goal was disappointing but we stuck to our task and didn’t let it affect us and we deserved to equalise,” he added. Home Assistant Manager Larry Chambers commented, “We didn’t really deserve to score. Blyth did really well and had all of the play. We seemed lacking in energy and were happy to go in 1-1 at half time.”

Dunn thought the Spartans only lacked better decision making in the second half.
“We kept at it but our choice of pass could have been better when we managed to break though on three or four occasions. Their second goal was a classic example – we made a poor choice up front having committed men forward and they broke away to score.” Telford engineered an opening for their third goal as Blyth continued to press.

Dunn took several positives from the game. “It looks like there is something in the partnership between forwards Phil Bell and Robbie Dale which we can build on and left back Kenny Boyle did well. Kenny is coming on treat after moving to us from Whickham. He is two-footed, can go down the line or cut inside and he has been a real plus for us since he joined.”

Stand in attacker Martin Houlahan was left out of Dunn’s starting line up despite impressing in recent matches. The Blyth boss explained “I didn’t drop Martin on the basis of his performances - I just had to pick a team for the day. We knew of Telford’s big centre backs and needed to match that presence. I discussed it with the lad and he accepted my reasoning.”

Another tough proposition faces the Spartans this weekend when Nuneaton Borough are the visitors. Nuneaton are currently 6th in the Blue Square North, one position below Telford, with Blyth lying in 19th. Dunn will have loanee Scott Bell back in the squad following his spell with Unibond club Newcastle Blue Star.
“We need to make sure we get something out of the game,” Dunn said. “We are playing good football and are confident but we just need to get some three point results on the board.” A feisty display at Telford and a few team–bonding beers in Chester could well set up Dunn’s men for just what he wants.