Positive Paddy blames bad luck

Blyth Spartans manager Paddy Atkinson is staying positive after Saturday's single goal defeat at Chorley's Victory Park and urging supporters to get behind his side against Kendal at Croft Park this weekend.

The Spartans lost 1-0 in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division clash and Atkinson, pictured, believes bad luck played a major part after seeing more progress from a squad he took over in mid season following Tommy Cassidy's departure.

Atkinson said: "It was disappointing because there were some good signs. The first half was probably the best we have played away from home but lady luck has gone against us again.

"Jack Stanger was pulling the strings in midfield alongside Neal Hooks and he was taken out by a horrendous tackle and that disrupted our flow. He’s very sore at the moment.

"We can't see how long he will be out for until the swelling goes down but we will take a look at him during the week and see what the verdict is."

Atkinson blames Blyth's midweek win over Stocksbridge Park Steels for taking its toll on his side in the second half but is proud of the way they kept going until the final whistle.

"It's tough after Tuesday, having put in a superb effort in that game. Then getting home at half past one has had a knock on effect in training on Thursday because the lads were still winding down.

"To be fair, we didn't die and kept at it and in the end it has taken a wonder goal to beat us. We have to prepare for Kendal now and we've got look to be bright and positive and get a noisy Croft Park behind us."