Stafford game - reaction

Blyth Spartans came back after Wednesday's 8-1 drubbing at Worksop to put in a stoic performance at Croft Park on Saturday against Stafford Rangers.
A victory by a single goal may not sound too convincing but it could have been a larger margin.

Caretaker manager Paddy Atkinson commented: "On Wednesday Worksop had eight chances and took them all. On Saturday we could have scored a similar amount. Phil Airey could have got three and Craig Farrell too. More goals would have been nice but I was especially please by how hard we worked and the win was thoroughly deserved."

A subdued first half came to life when Ryan McGorrigan put the hosts ahead.

"Ryan was excellent and took his goal really well. Some nice play lead to Lee Mason's cross to the far post and the ball bounced just in front of Ryan but he managed to cushion the ball home. It was a harder finish than it looked," said Atkinson.

The second half saw chances for both sides and Blyth supporters were willing the final whistle when a mighty Quinn effort rattled the Spartans' post.

The Spartans boss mused on his options up front.
"We need to find the correct forward to partner Ryan. He and Phil Airey work well and sometimes he might need someone to flick the ball for him which Robbie Dale did well against Stafford."

Airey didn't start the game due to a persistent hamstring problem. Meanwhile Atkinson revealed that it was a 'tough decision' to not start the game with the experienced Farrell.
"I was pleased with Craig's reaction when he came on. He was disappointed not to be in the starting line up."

Leading up to Blyth's trip to Grantham next weekend central defender Jordan Mellish is returning to full training this Tuesday while news is awaited about Sam Hodgson's rib injury.