Blyth Spartans are in FA Trophy action this Saturday as they take on Buxton in the Second Round.
Last time out it was defeat for Spartans, as Graham Fenton’s side fell to a 3-0 defeat away at Boston United.
TEAM NEWS
Spartans remain without Nathan Buddle, Lewis McNall and Josh Gillies, with Michael Liddle and Danny Barlow about a week or so away from a return.
OPPOSITION
Buxton arrive into the game off the back of three straight defeats, with their last victory being a 2-0 win over Merthyr Town in the FA Cup First Round.
Last time out it was a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Scarborough Athletic in midweek, with a first-half goal from Luca Coalville downing the Bucks.
WHAT WE’RE SAYING
Speaking after last weekend’s defeat to Boston, Fenton said, “Massively disappointing result obviously. It’s a difficult one to sum up, because again it’s like déjà vu. We’ve been the better team between the boxes but they’ve been clinical when they’ve pounced on our three mistake. They’ve punished us, they’ve been clinical.
First-half I thought we played really well. We got in behind them produced some good crosses and got some clear-cut chances, but they’ve got the first goal and it changed everything.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Bucks boss Jamie Vermiglio was also disappointed with his side’s performance in front of goal in the defeat to Scarborough. “We still didn’t win. I thought we did alright tonight, we’ve kept the ball really well and created some good chances but just didn’t score. They’ve got their goal and been able to sit in and look dangerous on the counter.
You don’t want to lose games of football, but I feel at the end of this one knowing that we’ve given it a good go.
We’ll go there (to Blyth) and try and win. It’s one of those cup competitions that you can progress in. As a Conference North team it’s realistic to think you can go far in the competition.”
LAST TIME WE MET
The two sides faced each other earlier this season in August, and it was a memorable one for the Spartans fans who made the trip to Derbyshire.
Blyth looked set to come away empty handed going into the final minutes, but two goals in in the final two minutes from Alex Nicholson turned the game on its head and handed Spartans all three points.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Join Niall Bromley and Phil Castiaux on Blyth Live from 2:45pm.
Alternatively you can follow the game via our social media platforms.