12 Feb 2006 - Harry - Post Ossett

Spartans boss Harry Dunn was asked after the Ossett Albion game if the word “scrappy” was appropriate to describe proceedings.

“Definitely so” he said. “It was a bit disappointing and certainly not the best spectacle to watch at our place this season. “I couldn’t really see them scoring but after a while I thought the same about us. It’s the queerest thing but despite emphasising to players the importance of not relaxing and just expecting things to go well we were certainly not always the quickest to the ball or decisive in our passing. To be fair with the low sun and the breeze in the first half the conditions didn’t help us. In addition the pitch was really tacky making it hard to get the ball down and play.

“Ossett came with a game plan to get players behind the ball and with four or five big lads in their side they were an awkward outfit to play against.” Dunn continued “At the end of the day the result was the most important thing. People have asked why leading scorer, and indeed the League’s leading goalscorer of League goals, was on the bench to start with. Well, I always intended to rest one of our front two and, to be honest, it could have been either of them but with Scott Bell having scored six goals in the previous two games I decided to give him the run-out ahead of Robbie Dale. And, of course, Robbie made a huge difference when he came on.”

The enigmatic forward, whose next movement when dribbling with the ball is so encrypted as to test the intelligence of any defence, was certainly a pivotal figure in the victory.

“I have to say, though “ Dunn added “that the player he replaced – Liam Gildea did a good job for us. The lad is only 20 and gives us options position-wise. The game also gave me the opportunity to give Dale Crawford a decent time on the pitch after him being out for five weeks. “Along with Jamie McClen he is still to achieve full match fitness but I always keep a close eye on how long my players spend playing in each game – by noting the minutes, so as to evaluate their progress in that department. I try to achieve the joint aims of keeping all players involved and raising fitness levels.

“As for Jamie he is enjoying it with us and is part of the excellent crack in the dressing room. Clearly clubs will be sniffing round the ex-Premiership player but we are giving him the chance to play and show what he can do.” The Spartans next home game is against AFC Telford on Saturday. Following a point at their place earlier in the season Dunn is expecting a tricky match.

“They are currently in a relegation place and without a Manager so the players will have a point to prove. It won’t be easy but I’m looking forward to a good game with a large crowd shouting us on.
“ We have started the season well but now we have to finish it well and the Telford match will be another big game for us.”

Dunn announced that he has signed former Seaham Red Star man Anthony Laidler who the Spartans have been watching for a while. Laidler can play in either full-back position or midfield. The Blyth boss may not stop there in his transfer dealings and expects to sign more players to keep the squad strong in the finale to the season.

On the injury front Dunn expects midfielder Christian Graham to be back in contention this week while skipper, and central defender, Richard Forster is likely to be out for another two weeks or so. However his stand-in in that position on Saturday, Andrew Leason, did well enough to be nominated the Drager Man of the Match.

In the short term the midweek trip to Leek is of immediate concern and Blyth will have to do without Alex Gildea because of work commitments. Dunn said “It will be difficult for us as Leek have a new Manager in charge and have signed several new players. But, as ever, we will travel with great hope.”