24th September - Post Worcester - Pre Burscough

Worcester City’s mascot – a dragon, entertained the large crowd before their game against Conference North leaders Blyth on Saturday but, contrary to how it is in history, it was the Spartans who were ultimately slain.

“I am very, very disappointed,” said a weary Manager Harry Dunn.
“On top of the long journey of nearly six hours the heat of the day affected the lads’ performance. I even had tired legs myself before we kicked off. We wilted badly in the last 20 minutes with strikers Dale and Bell, along with midfielder Chris Graham, suffering in particular.

“We dropped too deep later on and I was unhappy with the goals we conceded” he added. “We defended poorly for the first one and the other two were scrappy. But this is a big step up in League terms for us and opposing teams are a lot quicker and include better players, than those we were used to in the Unibond League. That’s a major difference – in the Conference North we are getting punished for any lapses.”

Dunn noted how Worcester did not make any changes in their line up for the second half, despite being two goals down.
“This indicated that they were confident they could get at us in the second period.
From our point of view they attacked us consistently – they’re a good team, and I had to make changes as we fell away in the latter stages.”

How did he approach the dressing room analysis after such an exhausting match, and disappointing final result?
“Well, it’s no use going berserk, you’ve got to be sensible and have a reasoned discussion. We did that. We will pick ourselves up and it is pleasing to note that the players themselves are recognising the demands of the higher League and understand the need to look after themselves a little better in between games.
“We knew we had played our part in a proper football match, in a good stadium, on an excellent surface against quality opposition and in front of a large crowd.”

“There are no great sides in this League - every one is decent. Blyth won’t be the best in the League this season but that is not to say we won’t hold our own.”
Commenting on the fact that Blyth’s rivals at the top of the League also had indifferent results, Dunn concluded by joking, “We did our best to get off the top spot in the League on Saturday but no-one wanted it!”

It’s FA Cup time again this weekend, a fact sure to increase the pulse rate of all Spartans fans.
The team travel to Merseyside to take on Unibond Premier League club Burscough.
Manager Dunn was not underestimating the task.
“It will be a challenge as they recently signed three or four players from Southport, but it will also be a challenge for them too. I have spoken to our forward Andy Appleby about Burscough as he played for Gateshead against them earlier in the season and I shall be ringing some other people for a run-down.”

Meanwhile former Sunderland right back Ben Christianson is attracting the attention of Stockport County .The 19 year old had trials with them last week, they watched his performance against Worcester and will be present at Burscough too.