Tom talks - after the Ramsbottom game

Spartans' manager Tom Wade held his hands up after Saturday's 1-0 FA Trophy defeat against Ramsbottom United.

"We didn't play well. That happens and we will learn from it," he said. "It's part of the learning curve the young players are going through. We looked a young, naive inexperienced side - which is what we are. It has to be said as well that Ramsbottom were the better side, full of well organised experienced players, simple as that. They were miles better than some of the sides we play at our level and deserved to win.

"Their manager said, after the game, that we were the best side they had played this season which is a massive compliment to the lads.

"We played well on Tuesday and so we kept the same side and we knew that they often score a goal or more in the opening ten or fifteen minutes so we planned to be solid and sit back a little at the start and we did that well. We started to play a bit after the sending off for Ramsbottom and were able to push on but, to be honest; we were flat footed up front and were just having to react to scraps. "

Blyth host Droylsden this Tuesday and Wade is looking a reaction.

"We will bounce back I'm sure," he said. "We will probably do something different with the team. We certainly need more support for Sonny [Andrews] up front. He may need a rest. The lad said he was tired and that's not unexpected with having played three massive games recently after being out of the game for two months or so.

"Ash Davis would have made a big difference for us on Saturday. He may be available next Saturday after recovering from his appendix operation."

Wade will assess Arron Wearmouth's fitness before Tuesday's game.