‘Pressure is on Tigers as favourites’

GLOUCESTER City boss James Rowe is interested to see how his players all handle the rather unfamiliar sense of being favourites for today’s National League North clash with visitors Blyth Spartans.

The Tigers are top of the table, albeit after only two games, one of only two sides to have won both of their matches, although two further clubs have won one from one thus far.

Meanwhile, Spartans, who make the long journey down from Northumberland, have taken just one point from their opening two matches in the sixth tier.

Rowe admitted: “We are the favourites for the game, and it will be interesting to see how all the players cope with that.

“You must respect every team in this division, but confidence is high, so we’ll take it into the game and start right.”

Hereford began their North division campaign with a goalless draw at Southport before having last week’s clash with Bradford Park Avenue called off.

The Bulls now visit a Guiseley side that thrashed Blyth 4-0 on the opening day of the season.

In the National League South, Bath City and Chippenham Town will both aim to build upon their good progress in the FA Cup, which has seen them move to within 90 minutes of a first round proper tie, which could mean a visit from Ipswich, Portsmouth or Sunderland.

Today’s opponents are not quite in the same category, with the Romans away to Dartford, and Chippenham travelling to Dulwich Hamlet.

Meanwhile, in the National League Premier, Yeovil are still searching for their first victory of the new season after three draws and a defeat. They visit Dagenham & Redbridge today.