Spartans can’t afford to drop standards, says boss

JON Shaw has warned Blyth Spartans not to ‘sulk’ as they prepare for a potentially pivotal clash against National League North relegation rivals Darlington.

Both North East clubs will go into the game on the back of defeats after Shaw’s men emerged empty-handed from Saturday’s home game with King’s Lynn Town and the Quakers fell to a 2-1 loss at local rivals Spennymoor Town.

Those results mean Darlington can actually move level on points with Spartans by claiming a win at Croft Park - but Shaw believes his side can give themselves ‘a massive chance’ of taking the honours if they meet the standards set in their narrow weekend loss.

He told BSAFCTV: “Before the game I said to the players we have a ten-game season in front of us.

“We have ten games to get in a safe position in the league. Today (against King’s Lynn) isn’t the be-all and end-all, we’ve got nine games now.

“Yes, every game gets bigger, but what a game to go into on Tuesday.

“That’s the thing in there. If I turn around to the lads in there and say play, defend, do everything like that on Tuesday, and we’ve got a massive chance of coming out on top. We can’t drop our standards, we can’t sulk, we can’t get upset by the fact we’ve done well and lost another game.

“We have to go again.”

Shaw could hand a first start to on-loan South Shields striker Luke James after he made his debut as a substitute on Saturday.

Darlington’s defeat at Spennymoor was a rare blip in what has been a fine run of form from Steve Watson’s side.

The Quakers had won five of their last six games ahead of their visit to Brewery Field and can boost their hopes of preserving their step two status by returning to winning ways against Spartans.

Jarrett Rivers will undergo a late fitness test before a decision is made over his availability to face his former club but Akwasi Asante will miss out once again with a groin strain.

Elsewhere on Tuesday night, Spennymoor can move within a point of the play-off places by claiming a win in their home game against a Scunthorpe United side that look all but beaten in the title race.

Ashington return to home soil as they welcome Northern Premier League East rivals Winterton Rangers to Woodhorn Lane and Dunston UTS and Consett hit the road with respective away days at Carlton Town and Stocksbridge Park Steels.