TOMMY Cassidy is looking forward. That in itself is something.
The Blyth Spartans boss has had few positives to dwell on since replacing Steve Cuggy mid-season, having presided over back-to-back defeats by former club Workington.
While the Croft Park club remain rooted to the bottom of Blue Square Bet North, Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Boston United has, at least, fuelled Spartans’ plight with hope. Now, after Graeme Armstrong’s goal was cancelled out by Ryan Semple’s, they are even looking forward to Saturday’s trip to fourth-placed Nuneaton Town.
Cassidy said: “Things look a wee bit brighter, thankfully.
“We could even have won it but conceded with about 12 minutes to go.
“Then, in the 91st minute, we had a one-on-one with their goalkeeper from 12 yards out and he made a great save.
“So it could have been even better, but if you had have offered me a point beforehand I would have taken it.
“It was a great effort by the lads, they showed a lot more belief in themselves.
“There was a spirit and togetherness about them which I have not seen before. We have given ourselves and the fans a bit of hope.
“That has not been the case in the two weeks I have been here, and although we are still bottom of the table on the bus back, the lads were a bit more bubbly.
“We have to harness that and make ourselves hard to beat.”
He added: “The body language was a lot better than the last two games.
“Then, there seemed to be a sense of ‘here we go again’.
“On Saturday the belief was there. We battled well and scored a great goal.
“They through everything at us, with big Jason Lee up front. They were very route one.
“I thought we would hang on and win but it was not to be, but you have to focus on the positives. There was confidence in our performance.
“Before they looked like they were dreading it, but this was different.
“The only negative is the fact the teams just above us won, but all we can do is look after ourselves.
“We showed great determination, which I was not sure was there before now.
“That gives us something to work with, and a little bit of hope.”
BOSTON UNITED: Bastock, Jordan Fairclough, Kevin Austin, Hall, Lee Canoville, Ward, Constantine, Sleath, Lee, Newsham, Ross. Subs (not used): Kirk, Semple, Field, Edwards, Stainfield. Goal: Semple 80.
BLYTH SPARTANS: Knight, Groves, Cave, Harrop, Buchanan, Mellish, Mason, Hooks, Armstrong, Taylor, Phillips. Subs (not used): Mole, Hodgson, Slaughter, Hunter. Goal: Armstrong 52.
Attendance: 986
