24th April 2004 - Harry - post Runcorn

The last two hectic weeks have seen Blyth Boss, and master-tactician, Harry Dunn having to keep his troops fit and healthy while, at the same time, consistently moving them and their equipment across the country in an effort to win the promotion battle.

He has needed to have the logistical and strategic know-how of Field Marshall Montgomery in order to win vital victories at the likes of Gateshead and Runcorn while also picking off opponents at home, all in quick succession.

Dunn’s Conference North campaign, like Montgomery’s Africa North campaign, is destined to reach its conclusion in decisive action - this week in Blyth’s case. But rather than a single shoot-out at El Alamein the Spartans face twin battles – although both on home territory.
Blyth’s final two League games are against Guiseley on Thursday 27th and then against Wakefield-Emley on the 29th.

Before looking to those matches Dunn reflected on last weekend’s win at Runcorn.
“We were very poor in the first half but after our second goal it was just a matter of how many more we would get” he said. “We should have scored more than five but it was the result that mattered. It was the sort of top versus bottom game which could have been a bit edgy and, to be honest, I didn’t enjoy it. Everyone’s tired but we must keep going.”

Dunn won’t be taking the Guiseley and Wakefield-Emley games lightly.
“There is no danger that we will underestimate them. They won’t be coming up here to lie down and get beaten. In addition Wakefield-Emley are battling to avoid relegation so we will have a scrap on our hands.”

The Spartans Manager, following his recent strategy of rotating his squad, is expected to bring out his big guns for the finale to the season.
“I expect Alex Gildea, Jamie McClen, Robbie Dale and Peter Snowden all to be playing” he commented.

With the Chairman’s Cup Final against Ossett at Blyth, and the Northumberland Senior Cup Final against Newcastle Reserves scheduled for 3rd May at Blue Star’s ground also coming up the next week, one way or another, is bound to find its way into the Spartans record books.
“Whatever happens” Dunn suggested, “We have had a marvellous season. These are exciting times and I am optimistic that we can bring success to the town. In terms of gaining promotion to the Conference North and establishing ourselves clearly as the region’s top non-league Club I believe we can do it.”