We were just second best, admits Nelson

BLYTH Spartans’ manager Michael Nelson believes his side was “second best in every department” after it suffered a third consecutive defeat against Kettering Town.

The Spartans travelled to Northamptonshire looking to move off the bottom of the National League North table – but will now head into tomorrow night’s home game against Boston United four points from safety after a 2-1 defeat at Latimer Park.

The Poppies took a two-goal lead into half-time as they took advantage of their proficiency at set pieces with goals from Ryan Fryatt and Callum Powell.

Substitute Kurtis Russell gave Spartans hope of mounting a comeback when his cross-shot evaded the hosts’ goalkeeper Adam Collin with 15 minutes left.

However, they were unable to find an equaliser despite late pressure - and that left Nelson to deliver an open and honest assessment of his side’s performance.

He said: “We were second best in every department.

“Sometimes you can accept a lack of quality from the lads but there was a lack of willingness to get hurt, compete, win your tackles and headers.

“They just did a job on us from start to finish.

“We told the lads what it was going to be like, what the pitch was going to be like, what they would do in banging the ball up to the big lad and play for free-kicks, corners and throws.

“Time after time we gave them opportunities to load the box and ultimately that is what has hurt us.”

■ ■SPENNYMOOR Town manager Jason Ainsley feels his side claimed a “massive win” as it rounded off an underwhelming week by seeing off Curzon Ashton at Brewery Field.

The Moors had taken just one point from two home games against Bradford Park Avenue and Guiseley earlier in the week.

However, they made no mistake on Saturday as Rob Ramshaw’s brace inspired the County Durham outfit to a 3-1 victory against Steve Cunningham’s side.

Substitute Ben McKenna put the seal on the three points with a late goal which ensured Ainsley’s men moved into the play-off places.

The Moors’ boss said: “Forget the performance, the result was all that mattered for us after a disappointing week.”