Spartans hope to bring soaring Magpies back down to ground

BLYTH Spartans aim to become the first side to score against leaders Chorley when the two sides meet at Croft Park.

The Magpies have won their opening five games without conceding and are perched three points clear at the top of the table.

By contrast Blyth have had a mixed start, their only victory a stunning one against Chester where they scored eight goals.

A defensive crisis hasn’t helped matters, with manager Alun Armstrong expecting his side to rise to the occasion tomorrow.

Armstrong said: “Chorley have got off to an absolute flyer, but they have to concede goals and drop points at some stage.

“These are the type of games we usually play well in, so hopefully we’ll be able to build on the big win in our last home game.

“Everything clicked and went for us that day. We played very well and have had two tough away games since then.”

Spartans claimed a back to the walls derby draw at Darlington and then lost 3-1 at Alfreton last weekend.

“The injuries at the back have been terrible. When Aaron Cunningham went off last Saturday it meant I was without four centrehalves. Cunningham will miss out tomorrow and is struggling for the trip to York on Monday, so attempts to bring someone on loan continues.

“Hopefully there’ll be a breakthrough otherwise Shaun Reid will probably have to move back into the defence, which then weakens the midfield.”

Offensively winger Jarrett Rivers and striker Bradley Fewster both return.