Mitch -- we struck the right balance

By Ray Simpson

Mitch -- we struck the right balance

Adam Mitchell says that Quakers struck just the right balance as they stormed to the NPL title.Adam,...

Adam Mitchell at Whitby 1

Adam Mitchell says that Quakers struck just the right balance as they stormed to the NPL title.

Adam, who played on the right side of midfield and at right back during the season, won his second medal for Quakers to add to the play off winner’s medal from season 2014-15, and he believes that the team can go through the National League North as well.

“The season as a whole has been fantastic from start to finish. To achieve what we have achieved is amazing, when you consider that we had so many games to play in a short space of time.

“I’ve never before been involved in anything like this, it was something that was so right in every way. Martin brought players in, and we struck the right balance throughout the side.

“There was a huge feeling of togetherness, all the way through the squad. We stuck up for each other on the field, and even when players weren’t appearing, they used to jump off the bench celebrating.

“I think the two wins over Blyth and the two over Salford were brilliant and very exciting for everybody. To come back twice from behind against Salford was extra special, especially away from home. It demonstrated the never-say-die attitude of the players, we never knew when we were beaten.”

Quakers scored over a century of goals for the season, with six players getting into double figures. “Goals came from all around the team. Kev Burgess scored eleven for example -- when we needed a goal from a setplay, one of our defenders or midfielders would chip in.”

Adam himself scored three times, one of them direct from a corner against Stamford at Spennymoor – a winner that clinched three important points in that hectic run-in.

[caption id="attachment_22196" align="alignnone" width="300"]Adam Mitchell scores direct from a corner v Stamford Adam Mitchell scores direct from a corner v Stamford[/caption]

“I think it’s fair to say that Browny (Gary Brown) helped me a little with that with the way that he kept the keeper occupied.

“But all season, Martin has told everybody who is taking setpieces to put the ball into dangerous areas, so then Browny and Kev can attack the ball. I was fortunate in that the ball went straight in. The goal was the winner, although we had a little bit of luck when their lad headed over the bar with just a minute or so left.”

Adam played a key role in the unforgettable 7-1 away win at Whitby, and had a hand in two of the first three goals.

“Nobody will ever forget the way that we put the game to bed in the first half,” he said. “We were in Whitby’s faces straight from the kick off. I had a shot at goal from the inside left position which the keeper saved, and then I thought that I’d better get back into position quickly otherwise Martin would have gone crazy! So I quickly ran back to my right back position, just in time to clear the ball upfield, where Army helped the ball on for Thommo to run through and score.

“I was involved in the third goal, when I crossed for Army to score – I think that was one of the best headers I’ve ever seen. That’s what Army brought to the team – he was powerful, athletic and wasn’t afraid to put his head in where it hurts.”

Now Adam is aiming for a third medal as the club prepares for life in the National League North.

“Our mindset will be exactly the same when the season starts again, we want to go straight through this league. We go into this new league as champions of the NPL, and we don’t have anything to fear. I’m sure also that our fans will look forward to going to some new places – I know the players will be.

“Personally, I can’t wait for the club to go back to the town, it will be a big plus for us.”