Win was satisfying for former Pools man Buddle

There can be no doubt that the FA Cup Second Round win over Hartlepool United meant a lot to everyone connected with Blyth Spartans but for one player in the squad it was extra sweet. Defender Nathan Buddle was released by the Victoria Park club at the end of the 2012/13 season, signing for Spartans three months after his release.

The FA Cup win was Buddle's first return to the club where he signed his first ever professional deal and he admitted that the win left him with an "incredible feeling"

"I never understood why I was released and it wasn't made clear to me so there is a lot of satisfaction that we have got one over on them tonight. There were a lot of people there tonight who were around when I was here so to walk up to them at the end of the game and look them in the eye after that win was an incredible feeling. I don't think I have ever left a football match with as much satisfaction as I am right now and to be honest I don't think I ever will"

Spartans went into the break at Victoria Park a goal behind after former Middlesbrough winger Jonathan Franks had given Pools the lead just after the half hour mark. However despite the deficit Buddle insisted there was always a belief that his side could get a memorable win although he revealed that his team mates may have to get used to midfielder Stephen Turnbull talking about his stunning free kick that got Spartans back on level terms.

"The belief was still there at half time despite us being a goal down. We all know Ste (Stephen Turnbull) isn't going to shut up about that free kick for a long time to come but it gave us further belief we would win"

The Spartans players were roared on to victory by an impressive travelling band of supporters who never lost faith with their side despite a first half that had seen them second best for long periods. Buddle felt that the supporters played a key part in the win and described the scenes after the full time whistle as "something that will live with us all for a very long time to come"

"I don't think I have ever heard a game where the supporters have never stopped singing for the entire game. They silenced the Pools fans from the start and just kept going. At the end of the game to spend time with the supporters and see what it meant for them is something that will live with us all for a very long time to come"