Spartans Boss Armstrong Looking to Build on Pre-Season Opener

Blyth Spartans boss Alun Armstrong described the pre-season opener with EBAC Northern League Division One side West Auckland Town as a 'great workout' in a hard fought 1-1 draw.

Armstrong's side - which featured seven trialists over the course of the game - took the lead on the stroke of half time, through the lively Adam Wrightson.

But a 78th minute spot kick from former Spennymoor Town striker Nathan Fisher denied Spartans victory.

Speaking to BSAFCTV, Armstrong said: "It was a great workout for the lads. First half I thought the tempo was good, we started the game really well [and] some of the attacking play was good to see.

"Obviously there is a lot of things for us to work on."

It was a first chance for the Blyth faithful to see new signing Dale Hopson in action and he didn't disappoint with a couple of moments of brilliance.

"We saw Dale [Hopson] and Robbie [Dale] creating problems throughout the first half. We could have been two or three up by half-time, Wrighty could have had a hat-trick.

"The main thing is the lads got minutes in the legs."

And a number of trialists were given the chance to shine in front of a 162 strong crowd at the Wanted Stadium, but Armstrong warned fans they shouldn't expect an influx of new faces.

The 42-year-old added: "There'll not be too many more signings to be honest - as long as everyone stays fit. Maybe one or two to strengthen the strong squad we have.

"We need to get the goalkeeper situation sorted. We've currently got three on trial, so we are trying to get that sorted [and] should have one by the end of the week.

"Other than that I'm happy with the squad."

Next up for Spartans is a trip to Shildon on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.30pm.)