Spartans honoured for key month and pivotal win

If the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Blyth Spartans go on to secure a play-off spot and a late shot at promotion this season they’ll have a permanent reminder of a key turning point proudly tucked away in their trophy cabinet.

Manager Tom Wade and assistant manager Colin Myers are pictured with League Operations Manager Alan Allcock and League Representative John Beaumont after being presented with January’s Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Club of the Month as a reward for a run of four wins from four that climaxed in a 3-1 victory over title-challenging Chorley at Croft Park in the final fixture of the month.

The Spartans were honoured before kicking off in their 4-2 win over Witton Albion after being named alongside Ramsbottom United in First Division North, winners of their second Evo-Stik NPL Club of the Month accolade this season, and Chasetown in First Division South.

Ramsbottom United’s joint managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley guided their side to four wins from four in the league, including an 8-0 victory over Radcliffe Borough, while Craig Harris' team were undefeated in the opening month of 2014 with five victories from six outings, the wins including a 3-1 Doodson Sport Cup Third Round triumph over the Premier Division’s Barwell.

Like all winners of the monthly performance accolades, all three clubs have been presented with an inscribed certificate marking their achievement and a 4.5 litre bottle of Bells Whiskey from sponsors Evo-Stik to toast their success.