Spartans feeling buoyant

Apr 5 2008 by jl newsdesk1, The Journal

BLYTH Spartans, increasingly confident they will stay clear of the relegation zone, go to Nuneaton this afternoon in buoyant mood following last week’s performance of the season against leaders Kettering Town, writes MALCOLM PRATT.

After taking just one point from their previous five matches, Harry Dunn’s side were very much the underdogs but confounded their critics by seeing off the championship hopefuls.

With no injury worries, Blyth have the returning Chris McCabe in contention but David Onions, signed from Marske United, will not make his debut. Dunn has taken him on as cover and it is likely to be next week before he is handed his first appearance.

Off the field, Blyth’s £120,000 development in association with Northumberland County Council and Northumberland FA is gaining momentum.

Building work is now well on course and the extension to the present facilities, including a classroom, should be completed well in time for next season.

“The idea is that we will have youngsters from the area coming along to use the facilities but on match days it will mean that we have twice as much space to entertain sponsors and opposition officials,” said Croft Park secretary Ian Evans, who said the development will be named the Tom Hedley Suite, in memory of the chairman who died last year.