Wey that couldn’t have gone much better. An emphatic win thanks to a sublime display from the lads followed by an unholy amount of lager, what more could you want from a Saturday?
The starting XI didn’t spring too many surprises, though if Knight was fully fit I’d have expected him to start in place of Curtis Round. The formation seemed to be a 4-3-3 with Big Willy in the holding role.
Naturally in the opening 5 minutes, watching both sides try to pass it about was the footballing equivalent of watching a horse trying to glue a broken tea cup back together. Thankfully though Spartans found their feet fairly quickly, and began to pass the the ball about well, especially in midfield and pressed Gloucester so high up the pitch you’d have thought the game was being played in Pattison House at one point.
Whilst over the summer the formation has changed a bit in different games, Fents and Shaw have always been pushing a high intensity and high pressing style of play, seemingly with the aim of forcing the opposition into mistakes deep in their own half of the pitch where we can pounce on it and grab goals. That sort of style takes a lot of effort and commitment from players but really, that’s the exactly the sort of people you want wearing that famous green and white shirt – which was on full display yesterday and just about worked perfectly.
While yesterday was a superb effort from all the lads, personally I have to give a special mention to Curtis Round as he was just so fucking good. I was buzzing when we bought him in back in November last year based of his goals and assists at Marske over the years, but after a canny debut against Telford I felt like he fizzled out as the season went on, especially when he was shifted to LB.
Yesterday though was a perfect example of just how good he can be. His runs, passing and just sheer work rate caused Gloucester problems ALL day long. That poor right back would have been in tears going to Kip last night.
Another one I was pleasantly surprised by was Jack Bodenham. Whilst I didn’t think he was a bad player at all when we was here last season, I wasn’t so sure he’d be the answer when it came to solidifying the defence this summer. Mind yesterday, I think the lad won quite literally every header possible and was able to link up with the midfield and full backs very well to spray the ball about very well. Now he’s settled here with us permanently, I’m hoping he can become a massive player for us in the long run.
As for the midfield, fuck me man. How good were they? Nicky Deverdics is an absolute freak, as he seems to be getting better with age. The way he played the ball about (with ease) was top draw yesterday, especially with the killer balls he was playing into forwards. Big Willy was brilliant as ever. You’d have thought he’d been here all pre-season with how he slotted into the side with ease. Seriously, I’ve ne idea what the Diet Mackems we’re playing at letting him go. Moronic decision from them. As for Hickey, what a bloke. Superb yet again from the tenacious little Mackem who didn’t even need to bring out his ‘I absolutely will fuck you up’ sliding tackles.
Creating a proper selection headache for next weekend was Lewis Knight, who came on for JJ Hooper up top and immediately became a nightmare for the Gloucester defence. He seemed to fit in to the system perfectly and was very impressive. His goal may not have been a worldie by any means but he definitely earned it.
As ever after a win, the clubhouse was fairly bouncey which is always nice to see. A special thank you as well to everyone who brought items down for Blyth Foodbank! As ever they’re extremely grateful to everyone for the donations.
Before the game we dropped into the shop to get Peter Henderson a few bottles of Brown Ale to say thank you for the effort he’s put in this summer to get the pitch looking top notch. Obviously, he was thrilled.
Naturally after a win, everyone descended on The Masons which had an ‘Ibiza disco’ night on but thanks to the Cruzcampo, I can barely remember a bastard thing, though I can remember Hendy getting his bastard tooth out on MULTIPLE occasions and Welshy and Shanksy getting into yet another heated ‘political’ debate. Bumped into a few of Blyth Town lads late on as well who were great craic, though I feel sorry for them as they had to listen to Hendy rattle on how good of a keeper who used to be for about 15 mins.
Anyway, onto next week as take on Warrington in a top of the table clash!? Still got 1 or 2 seats left on the bus (mobile bar) for next week so hit us up if you’re wanting a seat.
#HowayBlyth