Fenton Feeling On Top Of The World As Blyth Blaze Trail

14 Aug 2023 By Sam Elliott

Blyth Spartans boss Graham Fenton says the club’s start to the season is all down to the players’ heart and reckons they’re only just getting going.

There’s a surprise name at the Vanarama National League North summit but their manager says they’re up there on merit.

On the opening weekend of the season, Spartans flew out of the blocks with a fully justified 4-2 win over Gloucester City in front of their fans.

Then on Saturday they doubled up with a professional 2-0 win at a Warrington side fresh from a 4-0 day one success at Southport.

After escaping the drop by just a point last season, the club’s supporters are dreaming of life at the other end of the table this time around - and avoiding another fight for survival.

Fenton challenged his players to put in a similar showing at Scarborough Athletic on Tuesday night and to stay the top spot for as long as they can.

The former Leicester City and Blackburn forward said: “It’s been an unbelievable start with two brilliant results and performances.

“They’ve shown so much heart, desire and determination - on another day we could have scored six or seven against a really good Warrington team. Their work ethic was fantastic, I’ve got to say.

“It’s great to get off the mark with six points from two points, there’s plenty more to come from us but we’re looking organised and we’re looking hard to beat. I’m delighted.”

It’s a tough rest of the month for Blyth with visits to Scarborough and Buxton with home games against Hereford and Spennymoor ahead of the next few weeks.

PHOTO BY PAUL SCOTT

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