Child's play restores Faith

Blyth Spartans skipper Wayne Buchanan has told his new baby girl not to expect too many more goals, headed or otherwise, after heading his first for the club in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Matlock, writes Mark Carruthers.

Faith, born over the Christmas holidays, was with Buchanan’s wife Laura at Croft Park for the first time to see him head the opener and then run to the stand where they were sitting to perform the classic 'rocking the baby' celebration in dedication to his family's new arrival.

Buchanan, pictured turning to celebrate after his goal, said: "I think it's my first headed goal for the club and it was a great moment as my daughter Faith was here for the first time and I've done a celebration for her. It was a nice moment for all the family. I hope she doesn't think she will always see me score though, they don't tend to come around very often!"

Buchanan's header, coupled with an own goal from Gladiators defender James Lukic, secured Spartans' first win since mid November when they beat Eastwood Town 1-0 at home and Buchanan praised his teammates for a job well done.

"It's a great win and we needed that after the last few weeks," said Buchanan. "We've been playing well but have conceded too many goals and results have gone against us. But we've battled it out and everyone of us has played our part and shown what great spirit we are building here.

"We have been asking for exactly what we got today. When we haven't got the ball everyone has to be a defender and you've definitely seen that from everyone in the side."

The Spartans skipper hopes the Galdiators result will provide a springboard to another winning performance in the Third Round of the Doodson Sport Cup on Tuesday night at Stocksbridge Park Steels.

The former Bolton Wanderers and Gateshead defender added: "We have teams who are in and around us in the league and we know there are no easy games in this league but we have to look to take points from them.

"Obviously on Tuesday we have the cup game against Stocksbridge and with the confidence we can go into that on a bit of a high. We know the league is the most important thing but it would be nice for us all to do well in the cup too."