Tigers' mauling prompts apology

Blyth Spartans manager Paddy Atkinson has apologised to fans ahead of the weekend’s action after admitting that his team’s 8-1 mauling at Worksop had badly let down everyone at the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division club.

An angry and disappointed Atkinson described his side’s display on Tuesday as worse than you’d expect from 'schoolboys' after leading Spartans to their worst defeat in more than 10 years.

Atkinson said: "You wouldn’t see some of our play at schoolboy level. I have to apologise to everyone connected with the club. One or two players came back in and let the team down.

"It was like watching a comedy film at times. I couldn’t believe it. It’s not as though we were steamrolled in midfield or out-muscled up front We didn’t deal with set pieces and I don’t think it was down to our shape or the way we set up. It just wasn’t a professional performance, simple as that.

"I want to apologise to the fans who travelled to Worksop. I feel really sorry for them going all that way in the bad weather to see that performance. If I could give them their money back from the players' wages I would."

Spartans missed an early penalty chances before the Tigers began their mauling and the caretaker manager laid the blame firmly at his defence’s door after warning that a repeat performance could see a major change of personnel at the club.

"We just weren’t good enough in terms of the goals we gave away. I’ve spoken to the back four who were awful," he revealed.

Blyth welcome Stafford Rangers to Croft Park on Saturday and Atkinson admits that any future changes may even involve himself after accepting responsibility for the heavy defeat.

He added: "In terms of this Saturday it is in the players’ hands. Some of us might not be here, some will be. But we need players who will die for the cause."