Blyth boss knows side need special spark to seal top-seven finish

BLYTH Spartans manager Alun Armstrong is aware his side will have to find a hot streak to finish in the top seven.

The Spartans have five games to play in the final two weeks, all but one of them at Croft Park.

Armstrong’s out-of-form side slumped to a sixth straight defeat when they lost 2-0 at rivals Chorley at the weekend.

Alex Newby and Marcus Carver scored at the back post in each half at Victory Park, the Magpies also hitting the woodwork twice.

An awful run over the last two months has seen Blyth drop to 10th in the table, six points from the playoffs.

Blyth’s goal difference is the same as the three sides directly above them and they have to stem the tide against Telford tomorrow.

Armstrong told the Chronicle: “We’ll probably have to win four of our last five games to finish in the top seven.

“We must end the run of defeats with victory over Telford and then take that into Thursday’s game against Southport.”

After that one of Armstrong’s former clubs, Stockport County, currently fifth, head for Northumberland. Armstrong added: “It’s a massive week. There’s still a lot to play for and we have to believe that we can turn the situation around.

“Confidence and belief is low, but that can soon change. Four games in eight days is tough, but a win will give everyone a lift.

“Our heads dropped when we conceded at Chorley. We have to be mentally stronger and give it a real go.”