ROBBIE SPENCE

PLAYER SPONSORSSPENCE'S PREVIEW

Robbie Spence reflects on our recent run of form and explains the targets heading into 2023.

The Hornets enjoyed a fine start to 2023 with a 2-1 victory at home to North Shields through Amar Purewal’s late winner. Spence played the full 90 at The Green Energy Sports Ground, and was pleased with how Hebburn grew into the game as time went on. “It was another difficult game, ” he reflected. “We’ve had quite a few close games recently where everyone’s had to really dig in and graft for the three points, and it’s been rewarding to get those results. “We were quite sloppy in the first half and gave them too much space - we improved in every department in the second half and took

control, and were unlucky not to score a few more. ” Hebburn were missing key striker Liam Henderson, while Arron Thompson and Olly Martin were carrying knocks during the game. The victory makes it three in a row for Hebburn, who also defeated Bridlington and Dunston last month. “It’s a mark of a good team to win games when you’re not at your best, ” Spence explained. “We played well at Dunston and controlled the second half on Monday, which is excellent considering we haven’t played that much recently. “There’ll be games where we dominate and lose, and likewise where we’re sloppy and win. “The gaffer said after Dunston, when you consider the lack of football we’ve played in the last few weeks, it’s about winning by any means necessary and it’s brilliant to see lads putting their bodies on the line. “We had a poor run of form in November but we weren’t playing that badly - we were just making little errors and not taking our chances. “It’s seemed to have gone the other way now and we’re back to where we were at the start of the season - Amar is scoring goals and our defence is staying strong. ” Spence was recently acknowledged after making the most appearances in 2022, missing just one competitive game through suspension. While the club slightly

struggled last campaign, the midfielder hopes the newlook Hebburn side can finish in the play-offs. “All I want to do is play games and be involved, ” he said. “I’m pleased to be fit and available for selection the majority of time, and then it’s obviously a good feeling for the gaffer to put faith in me. “It’s a nice accolade to have but I don’t really think about it - without seeing it on paper I wouldn’t have known but it’s definitely great to hear. “Last year was a transitional year and you could see that by our results - it was our first season in the Northern Premier League and we made a lot of changes to the squad. “We finished mid-table and it was quite lacklustre, but obviously the club brought in new management and some great players. “They’ve got great personalities as well which is what you need - we’ve got some leaders and experience, as well as younger lads who can develop so our squad is in a good place. “For the rest of this season, play-offs is still definitely the aim and the gaffer has made it no secret that he wants to do well in the Durham Challenge Cup. “They’re the two main aims going into this year - for me