Hebburn Town boss calls for title-winning mentality ahead of new Northern League campaign

Graeme Armstrong, Robbie Spence, Carl Taylor and Cedwyn Scott all found the net for the Hornets as they claimed a 4-1 home win against Division Two neighbours Jarrow on Saturday.

The win over Dave Bell’s side means that Hebburn will remain unbeaten in the pre-season fixtures if they can avoid defeat in Tuesday’s night meeting with National League North club Blyth Spartans.

However, Bolam admitted that he was “slightly unhappy” with his side for easing off during the second-half of their win over Jarrow and called for higher standards as the new seasons looms ever closer.

He told The Echo: “The challenge that the lads were given was about showing the same intensity off the ball against a side slightly below us.

“They took that on and when we got to grips with that, I was really pleased with that.

“Then we scored two goals early in the second half, but the old faults from last season crept in.

“We conceded, and we wanted that clean sheet, we were slightly unhappy, and it has to be better.

“There are things that you see in teams that will win titles, that consistency, the desire and seeing games out without conceding.

“We need to find a killer instinct, we love going forward, but we have to find a title-winning mentality to build on what we did here last season.”

Hebburn will get their new league season underway with a tough-looking trip to Newton Aycliffe on Saturday week.

The Hornets performed well against Colin Stromsoy’s men last season and completed a league double over a side that just nine points shy of a promotion place when the season was prematurely ended in March.

Bolam warned his side that they face a tough test if they want to get their promotion push off to a positive start with a win at Moore Lane.

“We have spoken about Newton Aycliffe a few times and we know that they have a good side.

“They had some big results last season and beat sides in the top four of the table – so they are a dangerous opponent for any side in the division.

“They stayed in the chase at the top end of the table until the end of the season.

“They are mobile, they are full of enthusiasm and it’s a really difficult start to the season for us.

“We will have to make sure we are ready for it because it will be a very difficult game.”