Spennymoor Town 1
Nantwich Town 1
League (NPL Premier Division)

Match Report

Phil Parkinson was delighted with Nantwich Town’s point away at Spennymoor Town, calling the point “outstanding”.

The Dabbers fell behind to an early Shane Henry strike, but fought back and levelled in the second half through Curtis Jones.

They held firm despite intense home pressure against fellow playoff hopefuls.

Nantwich manager Parkinson said: “It’s an outstanding point against a very good Spennymoor side.

“I thought first half we dominated the first half, so to come in 1-0 down was really frustrating.

“We knew it would be hard going up bank first.

“They took full advantage of the one chance they had and it was from a mistake in the build up, but apart from that I felt we dominated the first half.

“Their goal was against the run of play, there is no doubt about that.

“That’s the best we’ve played in the first half since Blyth.

“I said against Matlock the endeavour was there, but we didn’t play as well as we can. Today the endeavour was there and we did play.

“I said to the boys, we’ve got to be taking our chances in these really tight games because we’re going to be playing teams like this if we make the play offs.

“In the first 15 minutes in the second half, I thought we were superb and got our just rewards with the goal.

“Then we took our foot off the gas and stopped playing, we really let them into the game.

“They just kept coming at us, but that’s not something to be down about, that shows our resilience.

“I know the opposition will feel they deserved three points, but our second half showing showed our resilience and defensive strength.”

Parkinson was particularly pleased with his defenders, who showed tenacity to keep Spennymoor out in the second half, and chipped in at the other end.

The Dabbers equaliser came via three defenders, as Joel Stair forced a corner with a deflected shot and Ben Harrison knocked down the resulting set piece for Jones to poke home.

“I’ve said all season, we’re scoring goals from all over the pitch,” Parkinson added.

“If the wingers aren’t doing it, if the forwards aren’t doing it, the midfielders and defenders are.

“I think the defenders are on about 20 odd goals between them.

“I gave Andy White a rest because he’s played so many games, but Joel Stair came in and you couldn’t tell the difference.

“It was a good game for Joel because it was a battle, it was one he could get stuck into.”

It also ended a tough run of four games against fellow promotion chasers.

Match report written by the Nantwich News