Tom talks - after the FC United game

In one of the most hostile environments the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League has to offer Spartans manager Tom Wade was delighted to see his younger players "grow up" as they took a point from FC United of Manchester.

With several changes made from Saturday's FA Cup win at Leek Town the Spartans boss paid tribute to his side and described the spirit in the dressing room as "fantastic".

"The team spirit is fantastic. Colin and myself didn't say much at half time because we simply didn't need to. We have asked young lads to grow up and the likes of Buddle, Wade and Hutchinson did that at half time by getting amongst the lads and pretty much taking the team talk for us.

We had a young side out today, a very young side in fact and they have stood up and been counted"

The point was the first Spartans have won against Karl Marginson's side in six attempts but it was a point that Wade felt his side's performance was full value for and picked out captain for the night Nathan Buddle for praise.

"I thought we thoroughly deserved it to be honest. I was really impressed with the way the lads who came in performed. We showed a lot of bottle and we had fight and I have to say I thought Nathan Buddle was superb in the defence"

Another player who came in for praise from Wade was Joel Dixon, a player who is becoming a more than useful addition to the Spartans squad. The former Tadcaster Albion and Frickley Athletic man has been described as a "bit of a find" by Wade and he praised the attitude of a player who has already played in three different positions in his short time at the club.

"Joel Dixon is a bit of a find to be honest. He has come in and although he hasn't been at the club long he has played in three different positions already. He played in the middle tonight and him and Matthew Wade worked hard to give our attacking players a chance to get time on the ball"