Spartans on the up, insists Atkinson

A little more love and understanding will improve his Blyth Spartans side says manager Paddy Atkinson, writes Phil Castiaux.

Atkinson saw his side draw 1-1 with Nantwich Town at Croft Park on Saturday, defender Wayne Buchanan putting the Spartans ahead before Sean Cooke equalised for the visitors in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division clash.

Atkinson said: "We are coming together more as a group and are stronger as a unit but as we are rebuilding at the moment it will take time for understanding to develop more through the team."

The recently appointed Atkinson admits Saturday’s result was about right against a Dabbers side he rates highly.

"A draw was a fair result," insisted Atkinson. "Witton and Nantwich are the best sides we’ve played in the league so far. Their goal was a cracker and although we pressed in the final stages a point each was reasonable. They had better shape than us."

Atkinson is now looking ahead to Tuesaday night’s league trip to AFC Fylde and welcoming FC United of Manchester to Croft Park on Saturday. With Ryan McGorrigan suspended for three matches opportunity knocks for Phil Airey to stake his claim.

Atkinson said: "Phil could get his chance starting midweek at AFC Fylde and then at home on Saturday against FC United of Manchester. They look like hard games on paper but every game is a challenge in this league but our fitness is better now and, as I said, we are stronger as a unit."

Atkinson also revealed that he’s likely to be busy in the transfer marker this week.

"I’ll be talking to a couple of players," he said. "We need to look to improve on the wings and be more penetrative up front. One of the problems I’ve had though is clubs putting their players on contract once we’ve put in our seven days notice of approach."