Spectators watching the first half of Blyth’s match at Hyde’s Ewen Fields ground might have thought they were at “Strawberry Fields” instead, overcome by some hallucinogenic substance, seeing things which weren’t possible. It was a surreal, mind-blowing 45 minutes in which the Spartans were pummelled by the home side only to go in at the break two goals up after rarely getting out of their own half.

“To say we rode our luck in the first half is a huge understatement “ commented Manager Harry Dunn. “They could have murdered us! “Hyde started very well indeed – their movement was excellent and their two lads up front are as good any in the Blue Square North. Having said that we caught them twice on the break with well taken goals.”

Dunn continued, “ Defender Peter Snowdon played but we were unsure as to whether he would last. He got a crack in the ribs in the Workington game last week and indeed we had to sub him early on but the other lads dug in, put their foot in when it mattered and we held out till half time. “At the start of the second half we expected them to have a go at us from the start but, in fact, despite what had happened in the first period, it was us who dominated the play for ten minutes until they pulled a goal back. Even then we caught them out on several occasions and could have scored more goals.”

“At the end of the day we did well with having to play players out of position plus we were struggling for numbers. Chris McCabe and Adrian Webster were strong in midfield, Robbie Dale did well when he had to drop back in the second half when we changed to a four four two set up and I was pleased for striker Phil Bell who scored his first goals for the club in open play.

Dunn revealed that he had to substitute goal scorer Martin Houlahan as the former Washington player had felt unwell on the journey to Greater Manchester with a touch of the flu. “Graham Fenton, who came on for Martin did a good job for us. He uses his experience, holds the ball up and can pick out a decisive pass.”

With the beginning of a new year Dunn has made some changes to rejuvenate his side’s approach to games. He has given all the players a detailed breakdown of matches so far this season including when goals were conceded and scored, meet up times for the players have been amended and the club will now use a fresh strip for the second half of games. “These, and other things, may appear minor but I must do whatever is possible to keep us lively and focused.”

One matter he and Assistant Fenton can’t get to the bottom of is why Blyth often play better as day-trippers, after long journeys and against better sides. “It’s something we can’t work out,” he said.

This Saturday sees the Spartans take on Tamworth in the second round of the FA Trophy. Dunn will have Alex Gildea back from suspension but doubts remain about any possible return for defender Andrew Leeson. Left back Kenny Boyle will still be suspended for the game at Croft Park while Phil Bell is cup-tied. “Tamworth will be awkward to beat,” suggested Dunn. “They lost this weekend to Solihull Moors and will be looking to bounce back. But we have a chance to get in to the last sixteen in the competition and we will be going all out to get there.” Dunn hopes to sign a defender before the match as cover.