Northumbria Look To Lock Down Crook

Team Northumbria can return to the summit of the Northern League's second division tomorrow night with a win at bottom-three club Crook Town.

Victory at in-form Bedlington Terriers and the return to fitness of a trio of key players meant Colin Stromsoy's side headed into the Cristmas break full of confidence.

And TN know all three points at Crook will be the perfect boost ahead of 2017's promotion push.

Ben Dibb-Fuller’s spot kick ensured all three points at Bedlington in what was a real test of TN’s defensive abilities.

“To win 1-0 at their place was a fantastic result,” said Stromsoy. “Bedlington have been in great form in the last eight weeks or so, so I was delighted.

“We had to adapt our style to suit the pitches that aren’t in the best condition at this time of the year and the boys responded brilliantly.

 “We didn’t overly test their keeper as much as we probably should’ve done, but at the same time we still created the majority of the game’s chances.

“It was a game very much focused on team defence and structure – it was very tight, similar to the previous Saturday’s game with Alnwick Town.

“Enormous credit to the back four, but also the team as a whole – Bedlington have two prolific strikers at the moment so to shut them out was outstanding.”

Stromsoy admitted there has been a noticeable difference in his team’s performances recently, as TN appear to have rediscovered their winning form.

“Two clean sheets in a row, and two 1-0 wins, is a fantastic response after the Stockton disappointment a few weeks ago,” he added.

“Character is one thing but you’ve then got to go and apply it to the performance, and the guys have done that.

“It was a real collective performance, our shape and discipline was outstanding all over the park – ultimately, the team’s played the game plan perfectly.

“I’m very pleased overall, and to have a number of players return from injury is great.

“Sam Read, Gerard Richardson, and Ben Dibb-Fuller all returned to competitive football before Christmas which is really positive for us going into the New Year.”