Jeffries reveals text chat inspired penalty stop

A Sunday morning text chat with Spartans coach John Bottensien was the inspiration for Peter Jeffries as the Spartans number one produced a wonder save from a penalty to earn his side a FA Cup replay against Darlington. The former Bishop Auckland stopper denied Quakers defender Terry Galbraith from the spot and revealed that a good chat with Bottensien helped him as he prepared to face the penalty.

"Me and our goalkeeper coach John Bottensien were texting about penalties this morning and we looked at where they hit their penalties. A lot of the time their lad goes top corner on both sides and this time I went top left and guessed right"

Jeffries was honest as he admitted his side had "rode their luck" during a pulsating cup tie as the hosts stuck the Spartans woodwork on a number of occasions but he paid tribute to the men in front of him, picking out Nathan Buddle for particular praise.

"I think we rode our luck and obviously they have hit the post more than once but I thought we were excellent at the back and I have to say I thought Nathan Buddle was outstanding. We battled hard and earned the draw"

Attention now turns to Croft Park on Tuesday night and Jeffries urged the Green Army to get behind their side as they look to progress in what he called "the best club competition in the world".

"We need to get everyone down to Croft Park and to get behind us. We can progress and this is the best club competition in the world and we know how important it us to this club"