Parker wanted more than hard earned point

Spartans centre back Danny Parker was "disappointed" that his side only gained a point from their visit to play off rivals Ashton United despite admitting he would have taken exactly that if it was offered to him before the match. After seeing the home side reduced to ten men Spartans took control and when Arran Wearmouth netted his second goal for the club with just five minutes remaining it seemed Tom Wade's side would travel back to Northumberland with all three points in the bag. However Matt Chadwick's injury time equaliser snatched a point for the home side and Parker was left ruing what had got away.

"We would have taken a point before the game, we went into the game with a lot of belief that we could take something away from a tough game. The first half was a bit hitty missy but we have dominated from then on so it's disappointing that we have only taken a point"

The former Bishop Auckland centre back had a message for the Green Army after that late blow by revealing that the players were ready to make up for the late equaliser over the coming weeks. With league title favourites Chorley coming to Croft Park a week today that determination will be put under the strictest examination.

"Every individual and the team as a whole has very high standards. Although many people would say it's a good point in the changing rooms everyone was discussing how to put it right next time out and I can't stress enough to the supporters how important it is to us that we do put it right"

After fighting his way back into the starting line-up in mid-December Parker has been in fine form. The defender walked off with the Spartans man of the match award and seems to be settling into life at the club well. However he admitted some strong words from the management team had made him realise exactly what he had to do to become a regular fixture on the team sheet.

"I've loved every minute since I came back into the side at Trafford. Tom(Wade) and Colin(Myers) pulled me aside in training and told me exactly what they wanted from me. In order to keep myself in the side I've had to drill into myself what they said, I've tried my hardest to do a job and I hope they see it that way too"