Emley AFC manager Richard Tracey admitted his side had to show patience and resilience to secure an important three points against Blyth Spartans, as the promotion race continues to intensify.

The Pewits boss reflected on a challenging afternoon, highlighting both the opposition’s improvements and his side’s ability to adapt after the break.

Tracey said: “Obviously we knew Blyth Spartans weren’t a bottom-of-the-league side, if that makes sense. They’ve brought in some experienced players over recent weeks and you could see the difference in them. Fowler up front has scored goals in the division above and we knew he would be a threat, but I thought we marshalled him brilliantly if I’m being honest. He didn’t really get many clear opportunities, which was pleasing from our point of view. They’ve definitely littered the side with more experience now and I’m confident they’ll be a team that pulls away from the bottom. Because of that, we always expected it to be a difficult afternoon.”

Emley struggled to find their rhythm early on after a tactical reshuffle.

“In the first half I thought we really struggled to get going,” Tracey admitted. “We changed our system off the back of Joe Stacey not being available and, in truth, it didn’t really work for us. We couldn’t quite get the foothold in the game that we normally pride ourselves on and we looked a little bit disjointed at times. I don’t think we really started playing with any real rhythm until the last 10 minutes of the first half. Fair play to Blyth because they made it difficult for us and hit us on the break a few times. That said, I thought we defended well enough to make sure there weren’t any real gilt edged chances for them.”

The Emley boss was pleased with his side’s response after the interval following a return to their usual shape and the introduction of new signing Jacob Hanson.

“At half-time we adjusted, reverted back to the 3-5-2 and brought new signing Jacob Hanson on at left wing back,” he said: “Once we went back to our normal structure, I thought we controlled the second half much better and got ourselves back on the front foot. It was a frustrating game at times because they were quite happy to slow things down and probably would have been pleased to come away with a point. There was a bit of trying to win free kicks and break the rhythm of the game, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to build pressure.

“I’ve seen the penalty back from all angles and, for me, it is a penalty. His hand is up and it blocks the shot. Where I do have some sympathy is that it came from a corner that perhaps shouldn’t have been given. Overall, a draw might have been a fair reflection, but at this stage of the season it’s a really important three points for us and we’re pleased to have got them.”

Tracey reserved special praise for goalkeeper Dec Lambton, whose consistency continues to underpin Emley’s impressive defensive record: “Dec is there to make saves and he does it week in, week out, which is exactly what you want from your goalkeeper. Like I mentioned after the Brighouse game, the result might look comfortable on paper but he made a huge save at 1-0 and those moments are often overlooked. He probably had more to do on Saturday than he’s had in the last few weeks. Blyth asked a few questions of us, but the chances that came his way were generally ones he dealt with well and looked comfortable doing so. This is his third season with us now and he’s continuing to develop into a very good goalkeeper. We’re really pleased with how he’s progressing.

“When you look at the record, it's something like 18 clean sheets in 28 games, it’s phenomenal. But I’m sure Dec would be the first to say the lads in front of him deserve huge credit because we do protect him very well as a unit. That said, when he’s needed, he stands up and delivers, which is absolutely key. He’s a really popular member of the dressing room, he works incredibly hard on his game and he’s very comfortable on the ball, which helps the way we want to play.”

Tracey also explained the thinking behind bringing versatile defender Jacob Hanson to the club, he said: “Jacob’s a local lad, a Huddersfield lad, and we always feel it’s important to have that local connection within the squad. He became available after making the decision to leave Clitheroe. He actually had an exceptional season last year and was named in the Team of the Year in the North West division, which tells you the level he was performing at. He’s 27, so he brings valuable experience to what is still quite a young group in places. He’s played in the Football League with Bradford City, spent two years in the National League with Halifax, and has also played in the division above.

“That experience is going to be really important for us over the next few weeks as we push to secure a play off place and hopefully put ourselves in a strong position for a home draw. He’s also very versatile, which is a big plus. He can play left wing back like he did on Saturday, left back, right back, right wing back and even further forward if needed. To bring in someone with that level of experience and flexibility at this stage of the season really strengthens the squad.”

Attention now turns to a crucial run of fixtures, starting with a trip to Matlock Town before a midweek journey to Ashington. Tracey continued: “Matlock is a very good club full of good people. They’ve got a strong budget, some very good players and they’re competing at the right end of the table just like we are.

“These are the types of games I keep speaking to the lads about. If you want that home draw in the play-offs, you’ve got to beat the teams around you as well as picking up results elsewhere. That’s the challenge in front of us. They were outstanding when they came to our place earlier in the season and we struggled in the early stages of that game. But I thought we finished strongly and that should give us confidence going into Saturday that we can go there and impose ourselves.

“Ashington away on a Tuesday night will be another tough test. They picked up a terrific result beating Ferriby and we know it won’t be straightforward. It’s a long trip midweek after work for the lads and you’re often getting back very late, but that’s the reality of the league we’re in. We’ve got to approach it with the mindset of going there to win because first and foremost we want to cement a play-off place, and then we want to fight as hard as we can for that home draw.”

Tracey also paid tribute to forward Iyrwah Gooden following his announcement that he intends to step away from the game. He said: “Iyrwah has been huge for us during my time at the club. When he rang me to talk through his decision, it was clear this hasn’t been an easy one for him. It’s not completely done and dusted just yet because, in his head, he’d love to get himself back fit before the end of the season if possible. I know he would absolutely love to reach 100 appearances for Emley because he’s really enjoyed his time here and he’s made a big impact. When you look at his return, 40 goals and 40 assists, 80 goal contributions, that’s a phenomenal achievement at this level and it shows the quality he’s brought to the club.

“We’re really sad that he’s in a position where he’s having to consider hanging up his boots, but he’s been a fantastic servant, a great local lad and someone who has given everything when he’s pulled on the shirt. He has left himself available if he can get back fit, although coming back from a ruptured Achilles and not training since July is obviously a big ask. We just wish him all the very best in whatever he chooses to do next, and hopefully, if he can feature again before the end of the season, he can help us achieve what we’re aiming for.”