Blue Square Conference North
Oct 31 2009 by Alex Felton, The Journal
BLYTH Spartans are hoping to get back to winning ways after their thrashing at the hands of AFC Telford in their FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay on Tuesday night.
Currently nestled in mid-table, Blyth have had a varied season so far and are looking to put together a string of results to propel them into the top half of the table.
Although the disappointment of the trip down to Shropshire has been hanging over the training ground this week, manager Mick Tait is adamant that his group of players have the willpower and strength of character to get a good result against today’s opponents Ilkeston Town, who are only three points above them in Blue Square North.
Tait said: “The mood among the players is okay, although they are very disappointed. We didn’t play well enough to win that game. We just want to get on with our season and try to come away with a win this weekend.
“It’s good to have another game come round so soon after the loss so we can concentrate on that.
“Ilkeston Town are a very hard side to beat as they don’t really concede many goals. We have to get back to winning and playing well.”
As a result of injuries, Tait has often been forced to make several changes to his line-ups and it seems he’ll be forced to chop and change his starting eleven again.
Both Rob Dale and Paul Brayson have been out with injuries and while Brayson could return today, Dale is going to be in for a long spell on the sidelines.
Tait added: “ There have been a few niggles that certain players have been carrying for a few weeks now.
“Paul should be back but it looks like Robbie Dale will be out for at least a month to have his operation.
“We went into Tuesday’s game with a different strike force. It didn’t click at Telford so we’ll have to re-consider for this match coming up.
“We have got a good squad, just sometimes things don’t go your way.
“The aim at the beginning of the season was to get a team capable of getting into the top half of the league. That was my brief.”
