Buddle hails “committed” Spartans

After missing Saturday's FA Cup win at Leek Town Spartans defender Nathan Buddle returned from suspension to play his part in his side taking their first ever point from FC United of Manchester.

The former Hartlepool United man was a rock at the heart of the Spartans back four and he was delighted to see his side take what he called "a deserved point"

"I think since I have been here we have struggled against them and they are well organised so normally we can't break them down. Taking the positives from tonight we kept a good clean sheet and took a deserved point. We are pleased to have done that because we were committed and worked hard for it"

There were changes in the lineup after the heroics of Saturday with five changes made in total. Buddle felt that the point shows that Tom Wade and Colin Myers have a stronger squad than many think. He praised two of the replacements - Arran Wearmouth and Joel Dixon - and felt they had given the Spartans management team something to think about as they travel to Farsley for the FA Trophy clash on Saturday.

"I think it shows we have a strong squad. We have made changes but we have done everything that was asked of us. There were lads who have waited for a chance to prove themselves like Arran Wearmouth and Joel Dixon and they were fantastic. It's given the management team something to think about"

Buddle was handed the captain's armband for the night in the absence of Robbie Dale and he described it as "a real honour" and he was happy to have marked the occasion with a good point in Lancashire.

"I've been waiting for it really. Seriously though it's a real honour and with Robbie Dale not here and Danny Parker on the bench I was over the moon to have been given the armband. It's an honour to have captained this club and I am pleased to have taken a point in my first game as captain"