Blyth Spartans defender Nathan Buddle described the FA Cup as a “special competition” just days before his side welcome Conference outfit Altrincham to Croft Park in the First Round. The former Hartlepool United man has been a key part of the Spartans squad who successfully negotiated four tough qualifying round fixtures and he feels the cup is “on another level”.
“It’s something completely different to anything I have experienced before. I have played in the FA Youth Cup and you do psyche yourself up for that but the FA Cup is on another level. It’s a special competition and the history of the competition speaks for itself. Every player in the country should want to do well in the cup because it’s part of our history”
The centre back looked ahead to the tie against Altrincham and feels that the biggest challenge for Spartans is to carry on the attitude that has seen them knock the likes of Darlington and Leek Town out of the famous old competition.
“It’s massive. The first four qualifying rounds were tough especially given the ties we were given but out attitude in the cup has been excellent so far and if we take that into Sunday there is no reason why we can’t get a result although it will be a tough game”
Buddle missed the Fourth Qualifying Round tie at Leek Town through suspension and cut a frustrated figure as his side went into the half time break two goals down. However he paid tribute to the comeback that occurred in the second half that set up the First Round tie with the Robins.
“I don’t think I had any hair left after the first half at Leek. You have to pay credit to the lads because their reaction in the second half was excellent. I was devastated to not be able to play in that game but the fact that we turned it around and got us into the first round shows what a strong squad we have”