9th April 2006 - Harry - post Ilkeston - pre Easter

Ironically Ilkeston equalised to hamper Blyth’s promotion push just as Saturday’s Grand National finished – for it left the Spartans to continue their own run to the finish line with further hurdles to face in order to achieve automatic promotion.

Blyth Manager Harry Dunn was doubly down in the mouth. “Yes, I’m disappointed with the dropped points and also disappointed with the way we played” he said. “We were canny in the first 15 minutes but thereafter we struggled a little. In the second half we just didn’t get going and although their tactics disrupted us there were some heavy legs out there amongst our players. I thought our stand –in keeper Ian Archibald did well again for us – especially with his handling and his penalty save but, overall, I think I will have to freshen things up or we might run out of steam over the heavy period of games ahead. “We can’t necessarily win every game and I suppose, considering the way the match went, it could be seen as one point gained rather than two points lost” Dunn reflected.

“We won’t be the only side which drop points from here on in,” he added.

Pushed on the issue where the Ilkeston Manager appeared to leave his dug-out in the second half and enter the home Technical Area and attempt to face-down the Blyth boss, Dunn would only say “There are ways to behave in football and, personally, I try to stick to them.”

Drawing a line under this weekend’s game Dunn commented, “ The atmosphere in the dressing room after the game was as if we had lost the match. The lads were really quiet and very disappointed but now comes the big finale to the season and we must be ready.”

A critical period of five games in eight days faces the Spartans. Manger Dunn must also confront, in the first of those, a potentially torrid derby fixture at Gateshead on Good Friday. “It will be difficult but I’m sure it will be a good game with a cracking atmosphere” he said. “With Johnston up front, Flynn and Curtis at the back and Colin Richardson in charge we know we will have a battle on our hands. They will make life difficult for ourselves and it should all make for an interesting afternoon” Dunn suggested wryly.
“At least I know that there is respect between myself and “Ricco” and that we will share a handshake and a cuddle before and after the game.”

As regards the Easter Saturday home fixture with Radcliffe Borough Dunn is fully aware of their good run recently and competitive spirit. Equally the Easter Monday Croft Park game against Bradford will see the Spartans determined to put every effort in to the chance to progress to Conference North. Following that game Dunn is planning a “council” to plan ahead in the wake of the Easter results.