Robbo wants reaction from Spartans

Spartans midfielder Paul Robinson reflected on the defeat at the hands of FC United of Manchester by giving credit to the Rebels. A three goal defeat could have been worse as the home side swarmed all over Spartans and Robinson felt that he faced an opposition who will be "there or thereabouts" come the business end of the season. The former Whitley Bay man was honest in his assessment of his own side feeling they needed to be more brave if they were to take anything from Gigg Lane.

"We got our pants pulled down a bit didn't we?. They were good, really good in fact and we struggled to get out of our half at times. They will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. I think we maybe went a bit direct too soon and we needed people to be brave and get on the ball and make things happen. We just have to move on to a big home game next week against Marine"

The midfielder urged his team mates to move on from the defeat at the hands of the Rebels as they prepare to enter a tough looking festive fixture list. That starts with Saturday's home fixture against Marine and Robinson feels it is time to show a reaction as they prepare to welcome to Merseyside outfit to Croft Park.

"We just have to take today on the chin and it shows how far we still have to go. We can't get too down about our defeats and by the same token we can't over celebrate our wins. It's all about showing a reaction now"

Despite the defeat Spartans still sit in sixth position in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League and Robinson paid tribute to the hard work done by his team mates prior to his arrival at Croft Park.

"I have only just come to the club but the lads have done fantastically well to get into the position we are in. Obviously we know we drop out of the play off spots today but the position we are in is a positive. Everyone at the club would have taken that at the start of the season"