Tom talks - after the Ilkeston game

It was a rather subdued performance by the Spartans in the first half at Ilkeston on Saturday but a more vibrant showing in the second ensured a valuable three points.

"I think with games coming thick and fast, on top of extra time on Tuesday at Ashington midweek, I think some of the lads were feeling it," said manager Tom Wade. "But we battled hard and deserved the win."

Blyth took the lead after 11 minutes through Daniel Maguire after composed work by Robbie Dale.

Wade commented: "Nipa [Maguire] took his chance calmly. He felt unwell early on in the game, was sick a couple of times, but we wanted to try to get 45 minutes out of him. He lasted till the interval but couldn't continue so Arran Wearmouth took over up front after the break with Paul Robinson coming on. Arran gave us that focus and work rate in attack which Nipa was struggling to do.

"Arran did really well as did Robbo [Robinson]. He got on the ball a lot, made us sharper and we created quite a few chances and really should have gone three or four up. Ilkeston got at us a little towards the end but didn't create a great deal."

The Blyth boss believes his side just need to keep on doing what they are doing.

"Obviously, to try and get in to a playoff position we need to keep on working hard and winning. It's one game at a time. Our aim is to get 70 points and just see where we are. Either way it's been a fantastic season.

"I think us, Rushall or Ashton could catch Skelmersdale and get in to the play offs. We'll see."

Wade thinks that Matty Wade, who had to be substituted on Saturday because of a groin injury, should be fit to take part in at least some of the FA Representative side's game on Tuesday against a Northern League eleven. With regard to Daniel Maguire's chances of playing in the same fixture it will depend if any diagnosed food poisoning proves to be too debilitating.

Former Hayes and Yeading striker Boris Bonket has signed for the Spartans and Wade has said that he is on the lookout for more players to bolster his squad.