Marc Nash and Olly Martin reflect on Blyth Spartans FA Cup progress as next round tie confirmed

Blyth Spartans boss Marc Nash has admitted that he is “absolutely delighted” for summer signing Olly Martin after the attacker’s first-half brace ushered his side past Morpeth Town and into the next round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.

Spartans were rarely troubled by their visitors at Croft Park, taking an early lead and doubling their advantage shortly before the interval, with both strikes coming courtesy of Martin. Morpeth would then halve the deficit with a late Harry Gardiner consolation, but Blyth would ultimately hang on to seal a 2-1 win.

And speaking after the final whistle, Nash expressed his satisfaction with the routine manner of the victory. He said: “[It was] Relatively comfortable. I think obviously the early goal - what a great goal, what a great move - settled us down. That's something we spoke about because we've been behind in the last three league games.

“So getting the first goal was a good platform, gave the lads a bit of confidence to go on. So I thought it was a relatively comfortable afternoon to be honest, apart from the last 30 seconds.”

Turning his attention to match-winner Martin, the Spartans boss added: “Absolutely huge for him. I chatted with him on Thursday after training and I felt he was trying a bit too hard. Some things weren't coming off for him, but that early goal - him getting it with a late run into the box, superb. Good for him, and I think his second one becomes easier because he's got that confidence flowing. So, hopefully it just continues from now and he's off the mark and I'm absolutely delighted for him.”

For his part, Martin himself also admitted that his brace represented a timely boost to his fledgling Spartans career. He said: “I definitely needed it. I'm all about confidence - maybe a bit low and then I'll get really high. But obviously two goals, you couldn’t ask for much more, and then after that first one you just have a spring in your step. You want to get on the ball more, and I think going forward now you'll see more of that. I back myself to score goals.”

Spartans have been rewarded for their win over Morpeth with an away clash against Redcar Town in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. The tie will take place on Saturday, September 5th, at the Neeform Stadium.