Spartans’ start to the season is so tough to bear for Armstrong
BLYTH Spartans manager Alun Armstrong is confident his side will turn the corner sooner rather than later.
Armstrong’s men take on Evo-Stik Northern Premier League champions Altrincham at Croft Park tomorrow.
Blyth go into the game on the back of three straight defeats and just one win from the opening seven games.
Five of those have been defeats, though there have been mitigating circumstances.
An injury crisis at the heart of the defence has not helped and other injuries have left the squad threadbare.
Armstrong hopes a bid to bring in a centre-half from a higher level is successful and that Hartlepool loanee Aaron Cunningham is fit.
If neither transpires then midfield man Sean Reid will again have to fill in at the centre of defence alongside Nathan Buddle.
Armstrong said: “When everyone is available we will be fine. We just have to ride the storm.
“The fans have to be patient and realistic about what we can achieve this season, one which was always going to be difficult.
“The start we were given was always going to be tough, even before the injury setbacks, and this is my toughest spell in management.”
Mid-table Altrincham have been free-scoring in their two visits to the North East in August drawing 4-4 at Spennymoor and winning 3-0 at Darlington.