Challinor gives us his thoughts on last night’s victory over Blyth Spartans…

Another exceptional night last night for us.  I thought at times we really showed what we can do and played some fantastic one and touch two touch football against a good Blyth side that themselves showed what they are capable of on a brilliant playing surface.

We were extremely clinical in the first half, scored two very good goals and looked very dangerous when attacking.  We were however grateful that Ben made a fantastic save from the penalty after sloppy play from a throw in from us was punished.  The game going to 2-1 at that point would obviously have given them a leg up and could have made it a difficult spell before half time.

My only frustration from the game was that after we got the third early in the second half was that we didn’t kick on, dominate the game and really go for the jugula.  Blyth have to be given credit for that as they kept going, kept playing and were always a threat.

The goal we conceded is disappointing from our perspective as it’s a series of poor decisions and poor defended that results in Ben being beaten.  On reflection, that seemed to invigorate us and the onslaught in terms of attacking materialised in the final ten minutes of the game, not after the third goal as I’d hoped.

The final two goals were again well worked and we created other opportunities surrounding them.  Some will say the scoreline was given a flattering appearance with those goals, which in terms of what Blyth contributed to an excellent football game may be the case but my lads were brilliant and more than value for what they got out of the game.

A special mention for Joey, who came on last night and scored and I think you could see how delighted everyone was for him.  He’s another one, along with Jake and Ryan, of the young lads that have been an integral part of the First Team squad for the majority of the season.  It’s difficult enough playing at a level that you haven’t experienced before but to do that with the perceived added pressure from the outside to have to win and be successful, can be a big ask but he has done fantastically well.  All three of them have been a credit to themselves, have absolutely earned the respect of the other players in the squad and next season, I honestly believe they will kick on even more within the squad and team.

Another win, another three points, twenty three unbeaten and three more regular season games to play.  All to play for and we have now to focus on a good Grantham side who we watched on Tuesday evening versus FC United, where I’m sure if you asked any staunch FC United fan, they’d admit that Grantham were the better team and the game hinged on a stone-wall penalty that Grantham had turned down after an hour.

We know we need to be right and continue producing performances.  If we do that, we’ll keep asking questions of others which is all we can do.

It was also a really good turnout for a midweek fixture at Kellamergh Park last night.  It was great to see so many new faces, was great to see so many kids with it being school holidays and from my point of view, was great to read such complimentary comments on twitter after the game from first time visitors to the ground.  Blackpool and Fleetwood Town fans had commented on the quality of our performance and how much they had enjoyed the evening.

Hopefully that stands us in good stead for this weekend.  With the football league playing on Good Friday, fingers crossed we’ll have some more new comers and a few returners and provide a bumper crowd and atmosphere on Saturday afternoon.  This Bank Holiday and two games in forty eight hours will obviously dictate what is at stake come the final game of the season next weekend.

Once again, thanks for everyone’s support, it has been great.  Let’s keep this going and make sure we keep this run going.