Win was all that mattered for Hubbard

It seems Craig Hubbard is as lethal with his use of football cliches as he is with his goalscoring these days. The midfielder moved into double figures for the season with the winner over former club Bedlington Terriers, in the process ensuring Spartans moved into the semi finals of the Northumberland Senior Cup. Reflecting on the win Hubbard used one a well versed phrase when it comes to cup football saying it was all about the win on the night.

"It was a difficult pitch to play on. It's not ideal for us because we like to get the ball down and pass it but it bobbling all over. It's a bit of a local derby and it's a cup competition so we knew it wasn't all about playing well but getting the win and we deserved that"

Since the birth of his son Oscar the midfielder has entered something of a purple patch in form. Ten goals in twelve games has meant that Hubbard made light work of coping with late nights and dirty nappies and admitted he hoped his form would carry on.

"I think I am in double figures now and it's great to be in form. I guess having the baby should be making me tired with all the late nights but it's giving me a bit of an injection of life. Long may it continue"

Spartans return to Evo-Stik Northern Premier League action on Saturday with a visit to fellow play off contenders FC United of Manchester. Describing the clash as "huge" Hubbard hoped that his side would use last year's late defeat as inspiration that a more positive result could be found this time around.

"It's a huge game down there for us. I remember going down there last year and we clung on to a one goal lead for as long as possible. They got a couple of late goals which was a gutter. This year they are close to us in the league so it's a big game and hopefully we can get something"