Spartans aim to go seven up with a raid on the Magpies’ nest

BLYTH Spartans’ manager Alun Armstrong is hoping for an early Christmas present by making it seven wins on the spin.

To do that the Spartans will have to raid the Magpies’ nest when they take on league leaders Chorley in Lancashire.

The Magpies have lost only three league games all season and they returned to the summit with victory over Darlington.

They will be keen to make it a North East double, Blyth’s win at Lancaster in the FA Trophy continuing their superb run.

Blyth now want to go seven up ahead of a festive feast of football on home soil against Spennymoor and York City.

Although 10th, Blyth are just two points from the play-offs - the return game at Spennymoor on New Year’s Day.

Spartans’ boss Alun Armstrong said: “They are two massive derbies, six-pointers, but we have two big games before that. Chorley will be a tough nut to crack on their own patch as they are not top of the table for nothing.

“We will go there full of confidence. We have been scoring goals and winning games – long may that continue.” Four games in quick succession will give Blyth talisman Robbie Dale, left, the chance to score the goal he needs for his 200th in a Blyth shirt.

Dale returns after missing the win at Lancaster with a knee injury, Armstrong selecting from a near full-strength squad.