Nelson: Careless Blyth must be more ruthless

BLYTH Spartans manager Michael Nelson was left to rue his side’s carelessness as they fell to a home defeat against Hereford.

An efficient display from the Bulls gave them all three points at Croft Park – but Nelson’s side had chances to extend their unbeaten run into a third game.

The likes of Paul Blackett,

Callum Guy and Matthew Elsdon all went close to getting on the score-sheet as their side looked to claim a first league win against their visitors.

But it was Hereford that claimed the points in Northumberland and sent Spartans into Tuesday’s North East derby against Spennymoor Town on a low note.

Nelson told the Sunday Sun: “Hereford did well and they took their chances to be fair to them.

“I think we had a couple of great chances after half-time with Callum Guy and when Paul Blackett tried to play in Michael Cain.

“Even if one of them goes in, it’s a different dynamic to the game because they are on the back foot and we are on a high. We would have been right in the ascendancy, but we didn’t and it’s because we have to take care in the final third.

“You can’t just say ‘unlucky’ or ‘let’s go again next time’.

“We have to take more care all over the pitch and that happened in all areas today.”

Nelson stressed that there were positives for his side to take from their defeat against the Bulls – but he called upon his players to show a more ruthless streak when they travel to the Brewery Field on Tuesday night.

“It’s going to be tough,” admitted the Spartans boss.

“I wasn’t dancing around and going over the top when we beat Curzon, so I certainly won’t be chucking my toys out of the pram after today’s game. We created chances, clear-cut chances, and we had chances from set-pieces. If we hadn’t, it would be a different matter, so it’s now about looking to make the most of any chances that come our way on Tuesday.”