Tom talks - after the Stamford game

A 2-1 win on Saturday over Stamford at Croft Park left Spartans' manager Tom Wade highly satisfied.

"We were outstanding at times," he said. "I'd been looking at Stamford's results and they have beaten several top sides in the league and from what I saw at the weekend they are in an extremely false position near the foot of the table. In my eyes they are really a top ten side and they showed their quality against us. They were strong, very aggressive and boasted a good goalkeeper."

Blyth went ahead after 29 minutes courtesy of Daniel Maguire.

Wade commented: "It was a great build up for the goal. Craig Hubbard was instrumental in it. Craig had one of his best games for the club on Saturday. He played for the team and knocked in a fantastic ball for Nipa [Maguire] who 'gave the keeper the eyes' and then coolly finished.

"We continued doing well in the second half and another excellent build up lead to Nipa putting us two up. Robbie [Dale} was so unselfish and is definitely a proper team player now, turning in one of his best performances for Blyth that I can remember. These days he's thinking much more about his role in the team and about how he can help others with their game. He has been captain for a couple of games now and is growing into the role and hopefully he will continue to do so."

Substitutions in the second half saw the home lose a little momentum.

""We had to take Ryan Cummings and Matty Wade off through slight injuries and it's always hard for replacements to come on in such a high tempo game and settle in quickly. Although we conceded a scrappy goal very late in the match we thoroughly deserved the three points," said Wade.

On Boxing Day Blyth travel to Whitby.

"We will be taking a few walking wounded but no doubt Whitby could be in the same boat," said Wade. "It will be tough and I'll be delighted if we can get something from the game. We will have Arran Wearmouth back in the squad so that is a bonus."