Armstrong tribute as Dale hits 600 not out for the Spartans
BLYTH Spartans legend Robbie Dale is set to make his 600th appearance for the club in the National League North opener at Hereford tomorrow.
Fittingly, a large crowd of more than 3,000 is expected at Edgar Street as promoted Hereford kick off the campaign in front of their own fans.
Dale scored a hat-trick on his Blyth debut at Wakefield and Emley in 2005 and has done little wrong since in the eyes of the Blyth faithful.
The 34-year-old is just eight goals short of 200 in a green and white jersey – another remarkable milestone which will be achieved sooner rather than later.
Manager Alun Armstrong paid his own tribute to the Blyth talisman.
He said: “What Robbie has achieved in his 13 years at Blyth is nothing short of remarkable and 600 games is a tremendous achievement.
“He has scored lots of goals and can win a match at the drop of a hat, something he has done countless times for Blyth. “It is a shame he will not reach the milestone in front of our own fans but I am sure they will recognise the feat at Pools debut in April. Armstrong added: “We will be low on numbers and it is a long haul to Hereford and back in a day, which is not ideal, but we go there looking to get off to a good start.
“It will be a good opener in front of a big crowd. These are games you look forward to and I am just glad pre-season is over.”