18th December 2005 - Harry Post Warrington.

The match had a festive feel with many Spartans supporters dressed up as Santa Claus and at the end of the 90 minutes it was a case of a rendition of “Hark! Harold’s Spartans Win”.

Blyth boss Harry Dunn was asked - was the game a Christmas “cracker” or a real “turkey”.

“Well, I knew it would be tough” he said. “Tommy Greenwood the Fleetwood Manager had given me a good low-down on Warrington.
“From our point of view it was just a case of getting the game won. It wasn’t a good performance by any means and it was unusual for our defence to look so ill at ease – and I can’t think of an explanation for that. “It was a bad first half and we could have been out of it by half time. In the second period we coped a little better. “Both sides had chances in the last 20 minutes. They troubled us with their height up front and were getting some good crosses in. This was one reason I brought Robbie Dale on – to help us defensively.
“As it turned out he also created 2 or 3 chances up front!”

What did Dunn have to say about the officials – “The Three Wise Men”?

“I thought one linesman in particular was too quick with his flag, ruling us offside far too frequently. And I told him so after the game”.
And what of the players? “In terms of our players Richard Forster was outstanding in the heart of defence and Andy Appleby,on his return to the Club, did well.” No donkeys, little or otherwise, then.

“We have a great relationship with Hartlepool through Martin Scott down there” Dunn continued. “Appleby, who was as keen as mustard to come to us, joins fellow Pool player Neil Wilkinson at Croft Park.”

“In terms of the next round I’ll take what comes but we’re really proud to be the only remaining team in the Trophy from the Unibond Premier League”.

The big local derby is fast approaching with Gateshead on Boxing Day (ko 1.00). Does Dunn think he’ll be “walking in the air” at the final whistle?

“ I sincerely hope so but we’ll have to hope they don’t hit form against us. They have the two Turnbulls on loan from Hartlepool. In addition Adam Johnson is a good player as are Curtis and Flynn. We want to win but if we don’t it’s not the end of the world. This game is not the be-all and end-all – it’s one of many important games coming up for us. We hope to have Robbie Dale back and Martin Peace is pushing for a place”.

Dunn concluded by wishing all Blyth supporters a very happy green and white Christmas