Call-off is cold comfort for Armstrong as Blyth fixtures pile up

BLYTH Spartans had a home game frozen off for the second consecutive weekend to leave manager Alun Armstrong frustrated.

The postponement of the Alfreton game in the league was followed by the FA Trophy clash against AFC Telford United on Saturday.

The Shropshire outfit will now have to make the long trip to Northumberland on a weekday, temperatures having now risen.

It means Blyth now face a run of three games in eight days to end a successful 2017, the Bucks at Croft Park tomorrow.

After the Telford game Spartans travel to York City at the weekend followed by a big Boxing Day derby against Spennymoor Town.

Both clubs are in the top six of Vanarama National League North, Blyth kicking off New Year’s Day in the reverse fixture at the Brewery Field.

The enforced break has at least allowed Armstrong’s men to recharge the batteries and for niggles to clear up.

Armstrong said: “We now have a busy period coming up and we want to go into the new year in good shape.

“We have had a tremendous year. We have set high standards and need to maintain those in the second half of the season.”

Armstrong is in talks to extend midfield man Kieran Green’s loan spell from Conference Premier outfit Gateshead.

The former Hartlepool schemer gives Armstrong another option in the middle of the park, fellow loanee Danny Burns returning to the Heed.

Armstrong said: “Green is a promising young player. We are keen to keep him at Croft Park.”