Blyth Spartans: FA Cup win reward for spirit - Tom Wade

Manager Tom Wade says Blyth Spartans' FA Cup success this season is testament to the harmony in their dressing room.

Seventh-tier Blyth are the lowest-ranked club in Monday's third-round draw after knocking out League Two strugglers Hartlepool United on Friday.

The part-time side had already beaten opposition from a higher division after eliminating Conference side Altrincham.

"Just to be in the third round for these lads - they deserve everything they get," Wade told BBC Newcastle.

"A good draw in the third round - if we get a home draw, that'd be brilliant. If it's an away draw, one of the big boys so we can at least go out on a high."

A 90th-minute winner from Jarrett Rivers secured a 2-1 win for Blyth against Hartlepool, who sacked manager Paul Murray following their FA Cup exit.

Wade had described the first-round win against Altrincham as "the best of his career", but Friday's victory against the Football League's bottom side has eclipsed that.

"It was a very special night," he added.

"We were under the cosh at times but we were playing a professional side. We deserved the win on the effort alone."

Blyth defender Nathan Buddle, who began his career at Hartlepool, is one of three ex-Pools players in the squad.

"I knew if we came here with belief and confidence we could give them a go, but to actually do it is a another story completely," he told BBC Newcastle.

"To see all the fans behind the goal celebrating was outstanding and makes it all worth it."