Half time words helped us - Parker

Blyth Spartans centre back Danny Parker revealed that a half time ticking off from manager Tom Wade and his assistant Lee Picton helped their side to a win over Halesowen Town.

A lacklustre, uneventful first half was played out between the two sides with neither Spartans, or their opponents imposing themselves on the game. However, after strong words in the home dressing room Wade's side looked more alert during the second half and comfortably took all three points in the end.

Whilst not revealing what was said between management and players, Parker did feel his side took heed of what was said.

"We weren't great in the first half and we weren't our usual selves but we were given a ticking off in the dressing room at half time and maybe we needed it. I think we showed we listened to what Tom (Wade) and Lee (Picton) said and we came out in the second half and deserved our win"

Parker was honest in his assessment of why the first half had been so poor too.

"I think we got carried away in stopping Halesowen playing. They are direct and they play to their strengths and they are a tough side to face. I think we got caught up in that and we didn't focus on the way we like to play"

An even tougher task awaits Parker and his Spartans team mates on Monday as they head to Cumbria to face play off rivals Workington. The former Bishop Auckland defender refuted suggestions that his side would go to Borough Park for a draw, insisting they need a win if they are to keep their play off hopes alive.

"We need a win, absolutely we need a win. We don't want a daw, we want all three points. We do think we can still make the play offs and the belief is in the dressing room but we need a win on Monday and we will be going there to get that"