Stubborn Stafford Rangers up next for 12 points clear Spartans

BLYTH Spartans enter the final month of the season 12 points clear at the top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

Three wins, or nine points, from their last six games will clinch the title - though fewer than nine will probably be enough.

Next stop for Spartans is a trip to bottom-half club Stafford Rangers – a side which earned a 2-2 draw at Croft Park in November.

Blyth boss Alun Armstrong said: “We were two up and cruising but then threw the game away, which was disappointing.

“They have a big experienced target man in Kyle Perry and we know what to expect in the return game.

“I am more concerned about how we play. We have to get the ball down and keep possession – if we do that there is every chance we will win.” Stafford held play-off chasing Whitby to a draw in Yorkshire on Tuesday and have lost only four of their 21 league games at Marston Road.

“Stafford are a funny one – they are rarely turned over and we are aware it will be another tough game against them.”

Defender David Atkinson and midfield man Damen Mullen are again out and playmaker Matty Pattison is doubtful with a calf injury.

Armstrong added: “We showed real character to score a last-gasp winner last weekend against Rushall Olympic after we had conceded in injury time.

“We will need more of the same tomorrow. There is real belief in the squad and we want to get the wins we need to win the title and promotion.”

After Saturday’s game in Staffordshire, three of Blyth’s last five games are at Croft Park - including the last two against Whitby and Grantham Town.