Spartans cannot wait to get back into action after month’s break

BLYTH Spartans are finally set to return to action at rock-bottom North Ferriby United tomorrow.

It will be four weeks since Blyth last kicked a ball in anger but they remain in a play-off position in Vanarama National League North.

North Ferriby have won only two of their 35 league games - one of those a shock 1-0 win at Croft Park in August.

They have yet to win at home but held 10-man leaders Salford City to a 1-1 draw in midweek. Spartans’ manager Alun Armstrong said: “That shows Ferriby may be dead and buried but they can cause an upset.

“We have to guard against that, make sure we are not complacent and believe we just have to turn up to get the points.

“We were awful when we lost to North Ferriby at our place and we don’t want to be the side which gives Ferriby their first double.”

The Humbersiders are 23 points adrift at the bottom and have just had a second consecutive relegation confirmed.

Blyth have a four-point cushion in the play-offs and face the bottom and top clubs over the next four days.

Armstrong added: “We go to leaders Salford City on Tuesday, which is a big game and one which will be a totally different challenge to playing at North Ferriby.

“We have to be professional in both games.

The lads are desperate to be playing again but we have to channel that enthusiasm.”

Blyth have added quality to their squad by bringing in former Sunderland forward Carl Lawson and young Middlesbrough midfielder Ben Liddle.