Spartans Shaw hoping for another memorable run of results

BLYTH Spartans are targeting yet another run in the competition that made the club famous – the FA Cup.

In-form Blyth start this season’s cup campaign with a second qualifying 0 round home tie against Yorkshire outfit Shaw Lane tomorrow.

Two wins in the world’s most famous knockout competition will scoop Spartans £12,000 in prizemoney.

That would enable manager Alun Armstrong to strengthen a squad high on quality but low on numbers.

Armstrong told the Chronicle: “The financial aspect is important because it will increase my chances of bringing in new faces.

“So is the prestige. Blyth Spartans and the FA Cup go hand in hand.

“The club is steeped in history for what it has done in the past. We need a good cup run and we are full of confidence after four straight wins, though our recent record against lower-ranked opposition is not that great.

“Shaw Lane are also going well, so it should be a good cup-tie and there could be goals again.”

Blyth are fourth in Vanarama National League North while Shaw Lane are third in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

Spartans have won seven out of 11 and the Ducks six from nine, and Armstrong is looking to make his side’s higher status count.

He added: “Shaw Lane have come from nowhere in the last few years and will make it hard for us.

“They have nothing to lose, so we must make home advantage count.”

Blyth are likely to be unchanged as they bid to make it five wins on the spin and avoid a cup shock or an unwanted replay on Monday.