Blyth look to fix record but fear York backlash
BLYTH Spartans manager Alun Armstrong is hoping his side doesn’t face a York City backlash tomorrow.
The two sides meet for the third time this season with York winning both earlier meetings without conceding.
But the Minstermen are struggling and were hammered 5-1 at Darlington on Boxing Day, where they played the second half with 10 men.
Blyth stretched their unbeaten run to nine games on the same day when they drew 2-2 with Spennymoor at Croft Park.
Spartans will start as favourites against 14th-placed York, despite the Bootham Crescent outfit being a full-time outfit.
Blyth boss Alun Armstrong told The Chronicle: “It was a bad result for York at Darlington and their manager will be looking for a reaction.
“We need to get at them from the off. We should have beaten York in the FA Cup and owe them one after the last two games.
“Unfortunately York will not bring as many fans after the heavy defeat on Boxing Day, but we’ve just got to get the three points.
“We’ve won seven and drawn two of our last nine games. That’s a great achievement and we want to build on that.
“We want to finish the year in style ahead of the return derby at Spennymoor on New Year’s Day – if it’s on.”
Blyth expect to be close to full strength tomorrow, though Armstrong is still unlikely to be able to call on the creative services of Robbie Dale.