Spartans looking to regain confidence after New Year ‘blip’

BLYTH Spartans face another club revitalised by a change of manager when they head for Boston United tomorrow.

Craig Elliott replaced Adam Murray as Pilgrims’ boss in mid-November and has lost only one league game since.

Boston have climbed up to mid-table after an unbeaten run of seven games, six of which have been won.

Blyth faced an Alfreton side under new management on Tuesday at Croft Park and they lost that game 1-0.

After winning at York City just before Christmas, Spartans have picked up only four points from the 15 on offer.

It is a blip they are keen to get over, as Alun Armstrong’s men are still in the play-off zone but now down to seventh place.

Boston, top of the form table, have lost only three times at their York Street Stadium, while Blyth have seven away wins.

Armstrong labelled the midweek defeat against Alfreton as ‘unacceptable’ and is aware it will be no tea party at Boston.

He said: “We did not create any clear-cut chances against Alfreton, which is not like us, but we have to learn from it quickly and move on. It baffles me the lads may be lacking a bit of confidence because we are in such a great position, better than anyone thought we would be.

“We have to be a lot better than we were against Alfreton – simple as that.”

Centre-back Ryan Hutchinson limped off with a hamstring problem on Tuesday while striker Dan Maguire had 45 minutes as he builds up his match fitness.