The adjective “troubled” is currently extremely popular in the media.

It is always “the troubled singer Amy Winehouse” and “the troubled bank Northern Rock”. The Spartans’ current circumstances haven’t yet merited the regular use of the word “troubled” but nevertheless Blyth are in trouble – both in terms of their League position and in relation to Saturday’s opposition.

“You’re always in trouble when you’re in the bottom four or five” said Blyth Manager Harry Dunn after his side’s 2-2 draw at Worcester City which subsequently saw the Spartans lying fifth off bottom in the Blue Square North. On top of that an irritated City boss Richard Bryden had a few angry words to say about the visitors. “Blyth took an age over goal kicks and throw ins. Plus their players were going down for minutes on end – they had their tactics” he complained. Brydon continued “Plus I wasn’t sure about the penalty they were awarded!”

Blyth Manager Harry Dunn preferred to attempt a more cheerful countenance.
“It’s difficult though because I thought if we had a bit more quality we could have hung on to our 2-0 lead, but sometimes you have to settle for a point. We defended well overall and, other than the goals, Adam Bartlett, our goalkeeper, didn’t have a diving save to make in the second half. “For Worcester’s first goal we were a little naive and didn’t go with their runners but I couldn’t fault the the lads we’ve brought in from Northern League football in terms of their attitude and work rate.”

He continued “Bartlett was unsighted for the equalising goal but really we should be able to keep the ball better.” An early injury to central defender Gareth Williams, which left him with blurred vision in his left eye, saw Ben Christienson drop into that position and following an impressive performance by the player in an unaccustomed midfield last week he drew more praise from Dunn for his obvious versatility. “Ben did very well once more for us and is so adaptable. Gary Brown, alongside him, was outstanding once more while new signing Tony Stephenson, the former Wallsend Boys club striker, looked lively and will provide useful cover while Andy Johnson recovers from injury, but we’re still needing more quality” he said.
Dunn will be looking to approach clubs this week, in advance of Saturday’s home clash with Southport, with a view to remedying the situation. He anticipates having long-term injury victim Andrew Leeson on the bench for the match but isn’t counting any chickens. “Just because we did well in the fixture at their place – which we could have won – doesn’t mean that it will be any easier this weekend,” he suggested.

Fourth from top Southport are likely to prove taxing opposition as Blyth strive to break clear of that troublesome bottom five.