Tom talks - after Grantham Town

Pride comes before a fall apparently but try telling that to Spartans manager Tom Wade. For his side the defeat at Grantham Town saw them achieve quite the opposite with fall being - in Wade's own words - a "terrible first half" followed by a pride restoring second period full of determination and commitment. Ultimately Spartans came home from Lincolnshire empty handed but the former Gateshead manager hoped that the improvement after the interval showed that his side are worth sticking by as the season progresses.

"We asked the players for a reply and we got it. The attitude and commitment were top drawer and we were very proud of them. We were terrible first half and we know it. We got done by route one football and we looked a bit intimidated. However the improvement showed that we have to stick by these lads through the good times and the bad and we will do that"

Wade was left not only annoyed but bemused by the decision to show Gingerbreads striker Greg Smith a yellow card for a "chest high" challenge on Spartans keeper Conor Grant. The incident left Grant shaken and in need of lengthy treatment after vomiting on the pitch in the aftermath and Wade insisted that a red card should have been shown to the front man.

"Their lad should have been off for the challenge on Conor Grant. It's chest high and with Conor in the air it's disgusting. The lad has looked at him and he knew what was happening. It's a sending off but it wasn't given and we don't understand why if I'm honest"

Spartans make the short trip to Darlington 1883 as they open their Doodson Sports Cup campaign for the season on Wednesday night. The competition may be down the list of priorities for some clubs but not for Spartans as Wade revealed that both himself and assistant manager Colin Myers see the competition as a chance to further improve their good start to the season. He also confirmed his hope that striker Ash Davis and a new addition would feature at Heritage Park.

"It's massive for us, it's another game and it helps develop this squad. The lads showed tremendous attitude and commitment today and we want to carry that on. They all want to play in every game and the Darlington 1883 game is no different. We should have Ash Davis back and we hope to have a new signing on board by Wednesday night"