Spartans eager to ensure that Bucks don’t buck the trend

BLYTH Spartans are keen not to give AFC Telford United their first home points of the season in Shropshire tomorrow.

While the Bucks have won at York City, Darlington and Leamington without conceding, they have lost all three games on home soil.

Two of those were against top three sides Brackley Town and Salford City, Telford desperate for home comforts.

Blyth and Telford both have nine points from seven games in the opening month and are keen to start September on the front foot.

Blyth have also lost three home games, their sole success at Croft Park against Tamworth, but have won two of their three away games.

Manager Alun Armstrong said: “Both ourselves and Telford have been inconsistent in what has been a busy first month.

“It’s incredible that they have won at York and Darlington but are yet to win at home, but it’s that sort of league.

“They have to get their first points at home some time and we have to make sure they don’t come against Blyth.”

Armstrong was pleased with the performance in defeat against jointleaders Harrogate Town on Monday, if not the result. “To lose 2-0 was very harsh as we were by far the better side and deserved a lot more, but it’s a learning curve for us,” he said.

“We need to be more street-wise, and there are areas to improve upon, but if we play like that then we will more games than we lose.

“Peter Jameson has come in and done brilliantly. He’s a good goalkeeper and I’m surprised Darlington let him go.”