Armstrong Lets Rip At Spartans' Meek Pilgrims Surrender

The manager was furious after the 4-0 hammering at York Street and vowed improvement is on the way. Watch highlights here.

He told the club’s official website that the manner of the defeat shocked him as Spartans inconsistent season continued.

“It was abysmal from start to finish,” he said. “I can’t understand the thinking of the lads, I am a little bit shell shocked, I never saw that coming.

“The last three weeks you think we have turned the corner, you think we can stick with the same team. It might be my fault for sticking with the same team, but it was baffling and the worst performance since I have been here.

“The biggest thing that we got them to recognise was that we need to work hard to earn the right to win a game.

“There wasn’t any workrate - we are in a really precarious position and we have got to make sure we get clear of it because confidence is a big thing in this group.

“Not one of them can put their hand up and say they gave 100%, and that’s worrying. We could barely muster three passes together.”

He thinks he knows why, adding: “Too many out there had the FA Cup next week on their mind when quote frankly we are in a dire position in the league.

“I absolutely hate the mindset. Everyone knows Blyth Spartans love the FA Cup and it’s a big deal to everyone up here, but we can’t have performance like this.

“I have no doubt everyone will show up next week in the cup game, and that’s baffling.”