Stromsoy Praises Northumbria Stopper

Colin Stromsoy has challenged his table topping side to stay the course and build on a potentially pivotal win against promotion rivals Blyth Town.

Team Northumbria maintained their three-point cushion at the Northern League Division Two summit thanks to goals from Joel Bradley and Aidan Heywood.

But Stromosy insisted a 2-1 win against Blyth will count for nothing if TN slip up against Crook Town and Brandon United in their next two league games.

“We weren’t at our best in the second half against Blyth but for 25 minutes before half-time we bossed it,” said TN’s manager.

“In all honesty we could and should have been three goals up at the break but even in the second half we controlled the situation.

“It puts us 18 points clear of Blyth and probably puts them out of the promotion picture.

“But the hard work starts now. It’s no good picking up three invaluable points against a very strong Blyth Town team if we don’t take maximum points against Crook and Brandon.

“We are a very young team that has been out in front for most of the season - it hasn’t been easy.

“Now we just have to maintain our focus and make sure we do what we know we can do.”

Title rivals Stockton and Billingham Synthonia both won again to keep the pressure on TN at the top of the table.

But Billingham Town - with three games in hand over TN - slipped to a surprise home defeat.

That result means Stromsoy’s men have a 12-point cushion over fourth place and promotion remains within touching distance.

Bradley poked home from close range before the break and an expertly executed Heywood free kick sealed the win against Blyth.

Stromsoy admitted his attack impressed - with Bradley, Heywood and Gerard Richardson all winning warm praise from their manager.

But he added: “If I had to pick out one player - and that’s not something I normally do - it would have to be Adam Chrostowski.

“He was immense at the back and did everything that I asked him to do. When he needed to change things around for the second half he did just that and he never gave the Blyth forwards a sniff.

“It was probably the perfect defensive performance and the rest of the lads recognised what a great game Adam had.”

TN travel to Crook on Saturday before hosting Brandon a week on Monday.