12th March 2006 - Harry - post Frickley - pre Ferriby.

Having taken a penalty shoot-out to secure a place for the Spartans in the final of the Unibond Chairman’s Cup Harry Dunn, Blyth’s Manager, was asked if he thought the victory was deserved.

“Yes I do but it could have gone either way at one stage.” he responded. “I was very pleased with the way we played especially as we were missing both front men – Dale and Bell as well as defender Gareth Williams. “Equalising Frickley’s first goal just before half time was a crucial moment. I always say to the lads – don’t lose a half. We didn’t lose the first half so during the interval I told them to get back out and win the second. Goalkeeper Turns made some excellent saves and Christian Graham did a job for us in an unaccustomed role up front. He holds the ball up well and has good quick feet. “And when Alex Gildea was sent off it just made us more determined to go on to win the game.”

It was put to the Spartans boss that this squad look like they always think they can win the match, “Exactly” he said. “And on Saturday we did have a changed team out. I took the opportunity to give young Martin Peace and Price a run out and it was good to see centre back Forster making a return from injury too. “We should remember also that Frickley fielded their strongest team and they are currently top of the League” he added. “All in all I am over the moon to be in two Finals and given our League placing it is going to be an exciting end to the season!”

But is the pressure arising from this growing excitement likely to affect the run in? Dunn responded “No, not really. Everyone is doing a good job and I expect them to continue like that. It’s just great to be winning matches.”

An interesting detail of the Frickley game was that Blyth lad Peter Snowden kept the Captaincy ahead of the returning Forster.
“I am likely to ease Forster back in to the team so I decided not to switch the armband” Dunn said. “And anyway Peter has been doing well in the role.”

Dunn was looking forward to a big week in terms of the title or playoffs with the match at fellow contenders Marine on Saturday.
“Hopefully we will have Scott Bell, Robbie Dale, Graham Fenton and Williams back and we will go into the game with a positive attitude.”

Of more immediate concern is the home match to North Ferriby on Tuesday. “I had them watched in their 3-2 win at Gateshead on Saturday” commented Dunn. “With Gary Bradshaw returning to them on loan we can expect him to be a handful. Having said that it’s another big game and we’re looking forward to it.”