Spartans are looking to tame Guiseley’s Lions

BLYTH Spartans will enter the Lions’ den tonight when they take on mid-table Guiseley in Yorkshire.

The Lions have only lost once at Nethermoor this season after they finished bottom of the Vanarama National League in 2017/18.

Blyth moved up two places to 17th following their 1-0 win at bottom club Southport in what was the start of a big week for the club.

Manager Alun Armstrong said: “We targeted a minimum seven points from the games against Southport, Guiseley and FC United.

“We made a good start with three at Southport, though the game could have gone either way and there was very little quality. There is nothing wrong with what we have in the squad, it is just having that belief as half of the squad has not been in this position before.

“It is new for me as a manager to be down at the bottom end.

“I am learning as well and trying to deal with it differently.

“I am sure we will be fine but we are at our best when we are on the front foot and playing football - we were too direct at Southport.

“It was not anywhere near what we are capable of but we have the three points. That has given the lads’ a massive lift and hopefully we can carry that into Tuesday.”

Blyth are boosted by the return of central defender Louis Laing, recently signed from Hartlepool United.

The Spartans have not met Guiseley for seven years, their last visit to Nethermoor resulting in a 5-0 hammering.

Lions’ joint-manager Russ O’Neill said: “We will take nothing for granted, it will be a really tough game and we will have to be at our best to get three points.”

JEFF BOWRON