All change for Spartans for FA trophy visit of struggling Celtic

BLYTH Spartans’ manager Alun Armstrong has indicated he will rotate his squad as his side hit the FA Trophy trail tomorrow.

Spartans, riding high in Vanarama National League North, host Evo-Stik Northern Premier League strugglers Stalybridge Celtic.

Stalybridge are again in a relegation battle and are yet to win away from home, losing seven of their eight games.

Blyth will be expected to be in Monday’s first-round draw whatever side they put out, the league the priority for both sides.

After falling at the first hurdle in the FA Cup, Blyth would relish a run in non-league’s senior knockout competition.

It will be a welcome distraction for both sides, for different reasons with Blyth keen to maintain the winning habit.

Armstrong said: “Stalybridge are struggling in the league below but this is a cup game and they will come here with nothing to lose.

“For us it is a chance for players who need game time to get minutes under their belt.

“The FA Trophy is more important to the club than it is to me because we are doing well in the league and are targeting the play-offs.

“The league is your bread and butter and what you are judged on, but it is a tie we want to win and we are certainly capable of doing so.

“We were brilliant from start to finish at Southport last week and those who come in on Saturday will all be good players.”

Gateshead loanees Danny Burns and Kieran Green are set to start, along with former Heed back-up goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald.