The forward offered his thoughts on our return to Northern League action.
Jack Blackford relished his return to action at the weekend as he talked up the ability of Tuesday’s opponents, West Auckland Town.
The forward has been sidelined with a hamstring strain since early October, keen to get back on the scoresheet at the Northern Metal Recycling Stadium tomorrow night.
Tipped to be up the top of the division come what may, West Auckland Town have twice lost to the Steelmen this season, albeit both at Green Lane, and once on penalties.
Redcar sport somewhat of an unfavourable record in the reverse fixture, meetings between the two at Darlington Road often strewn with controversy, and always ending in disappointment.
Redcar Athletic 1-1 West Auckland Town
Joe Taylor netted in some style as the two sides met in the Isuzu FA Vase in September.
One boost for the Steelmen will be the return of Jack Blackford.
The forward has made only a short cameo since the beginning of October, but returned to the fray at the weekend with an 80 minute stint against Whickham.
“It’s been frustrating for me being sat on the sidelines.” He said. “I just want to play every week. That’s football though.”
“With Saturday just gone being a cup game and some lads being cup-tied, I’ve gone straight back into it.
“I’m just happy to be back on the pitch and helping the lads! The aim is to keep it that way and get back on the scoresheet.”
On the challenge of travelling to Darlington Road, Jack admitted ‘West’ would prove a tough adversary, adding: “I sound like a broken record as I’m sure I’ve said this before, but every game is a tough game.”
“However, we know what ‘West’ are capable of, they gave us a tough game in the (Isuzu FA) Vase at home, and we need to be at our best.
“I’m confident that with the group of players we have though, we can get a result!”
West Auckland Town boast a number of familiar faces within their ranks, one of which being Layton Watts.
The midfielder scored against the Steelmen in the Isuzu FA Vase back in September, his ability something Jack Blackford and his teammates will be keen to stifle.
“Layton is a great player.” He admitted. A great addition for ‘West.’”
“You could see from his goal and various bits of play against us at home, he’s got great ability!
“Our defensive record though speaks for itself, only 14 goals conceded in the league. That does say a lot about us at the back!”
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