Tom talks - after the Consett game

Second half goals from Neal Hooks and Dan Maguire gave the Spartans a 2-1 victory at Consett on Tuesday night.

Manager Tom Wade was pleased with another solid pre-season showing from his squad.

"I thought we were really good," he said. "We looked like a senior side against a decent Consett team which did very well in the Northern League last season and who have been hammering other sides in this pre-season. A couple of years ago we'd have lost the game. It shows how we've come on. In fact we could have romped it but the artificial surface sapped our strength as the match wore on. So, what with the Newcastle friendly coming up on Friday as well we gave a few of the lads who didn't get the chance at Celtic Nation last weekend, the chance for a run out.

"I believe Newcastle will be sending a strong side to Croft Park so that will be another tough challenge for us. It's good that we are being tested mentally because you have to have that strength in our league. I'm sure the players are looking forward to Friday night and I hope Spartans fans get along to support them."