Ex-Pools season ticket holder enjoys dream night with Blyth

A second-half free-kick from Stephen Turnbull and Jarrett Rivers’ strike in the final minute saw the Evo-Stik Northern Premier non-league underdogs come from a goal behind to defeat Pools 2-1 at Victoria Park on Friday live on BBC 2.

It’s the fourth time the Northumberland club have reached The Third Round of the competition, and Blyth goalkeeper Jeffries is delighted he and his team-mates have been able to write their name in the club’s history.

“It’s absolute magic – I don’t really know what to say. I’ve never played in a game like that, it’s unbelievable,” he said.

“Everyone one of us have put ourselves in the Blyth history books to be honest. You can’t say much more than that with the club’s massive FA Cup history and we are a part of that now.

“I’m immensely proud and to have my name there is amazing.”

Jeffries was involved in a moment of controversy on 65 minutes, as the shotstopper failed to hold Marlon Harewood’s close-range effort. The ball hit the post and then came back off Jeffries with the majority of it looking to have trickled over the line for a goal – but the number one is adamant it was not.

“No – I don’t think it was. I haven’t seen it, but people have told me since that you can’t really tell looking at replays either.

“I think there are a few Hartlepool fans who thought it was and called me a cheat, even though it’s not really my fault, but I don’t think it was.”

Having realised one dream of playing on the turf he has seen so many of his footballing heroes perform on, Jeffries is now eyeing a trip to England’s capital in the next round.

“It was a dream night. It would have just been good coming here and playing, never mind winning - it is the stuff of dreams.

“I’d like Arsenal away next. I’ve never been to London really or The Emirates and that would be the one ground I’d love to play at.”

Jeffries and his team-mates will find out their opponents on Monday. You can watch The FA Cup Third Round draw live on BBC Two.