No room for sentiment, admits Town boss
STEPHEN Turnbull is focusing only on gaining a win as he prepares to take on former club Blyth Spartans for the first time as a manager.
Turnbull (right) spent three ee separate spells with Spartans during his playing career and will be in the away dugout as his Morpeth Town side looks to see off its Northumberland rivals in an FA Trophy tie.
The Highwaymen will reach the third round of the competition for the first time and set up a home tie against National League club b Notts N tt County on Saturday if they come out on top against Michael Nelson’s side.
Turnbull revealed his affection for his former club but insisted he was only focusing on a result which would see Morpeth make history in the competition.
He said said: “I love Blyth Spartans, I had three spells with the club and I have great memories of my time there. “However, I am here to d do a job, to win a game, a and you have to break it down to its simplest form.
“We are confident but w we are playing a side from a le league above which has a good management team. “We are on a run of decent f form so we will go there with confidence and I am confident in my group of players.”
Hebburn Town manager Kevin Bolam could make changes as his side looks to continue its impressive start to the season when it hosts Northern Alliance club Gateshead Rutherford in the Durham Challenge Cup.
A number of squad players are in contention for a starting place as the Hornets prepare for the second of three cup ties inside a week.
Elsewhere in the competition, Northern League Division One rivals Ryhope CW and Seaham Red Star meet at the Recreation Ground and Sunderland RCA welcome Wearside League leaders Boldon CA.
Another Wearside League club will look to cause a shock as Durham United make the short trip to Northern League Division Tow side Chester-le-Street Town.