By Ben Lightfoot
Blyth Spartans travel to Mill Farm on Tuesday night as they face AFC Fylde in the National League North
The Spartans picked up their first league win since August 27th as they won 3-0 against AFC Telford United.
TICKET INFORMATION
All ticket information for Tuesday’s trip to Fylde can be viewed here.
TEAM NEWS
Josh GIllies, Nathan Buddle and Lewis McNall are definitley out. JJ O’Donnell will be assessed after picking up a knock last Tuesday against Leamington. Michael Liddle and Danny Barlow are nearing a return.
OPPOSITION
Andy Taylor’s side currently sits ninth in the National League North, having played only 14 games this season.
The Coasters drew 1-1 at home to Gillingham in the Emirates FA Cup First Round as Tom Walker’s late equaliser forced a replay to be played against the League Two side.
WHAT WE’RE SAYING
After a scintillating 3-0 win at the weekend, manager Graham Fenton said: “I’m really happy with the performance and result, we’ve had games where we’ve been on top, been the better team and not turned it into three points.
“That was difficult today, they’re not easy to play against, they’re very direct, pretty athletic and to keep a clean sheet is really pleasing and on the flip side, we’ve produced moments of quality, which in some games previous to this we haven’t managed to do.”
New signing Curtis Round said: “Three points was the important thing, but then 3-0 as well, you cannot complain really, involved in a couple of fo the goals as well, so it’s a perfect start really.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
After drawing their FA Cup match against Gillingham, Andy Taylor said: “I’m really really proud of that performance and the players should be too, I thought it was the least we deserved (a draw).
“First half we were solid enough in our shape, quite dangerous on the counter, we didn’t quite get our press right, but in the second half we addressed that, had a bit more belief in possession and really played some good football in the second half.”
Speaking on their upcoming league fixtures Taylor said: “It is a big week, I’ve not seen the results from the league and I’m not really concerned with the results from the league, but I’ve just said to the players that second half performance has got to give you belief and if we take that intensity and our bravery into the league games we’ll be okay.”
LAST TIME WE MET
Both National League North outlets faced each other last season as Flyde did the double over Blyth.
At Croft Park, the Spartans suffered a 2-0 defeat as Mark Cullen’s early goal was joined by Nick Haughton’s penalty after Toby Lees was sent off.
In the reverse tie at Mill Park, Blyth went 4-0 down after 50 minutes, before Rhys Evans was later sent off and JJ O’Donnell’s late penalty was merely a consolation goal.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Join Craig Dobson on Blyth Live from 7:30pm.
Alternatively, you can follow the game via our social media platforms.