Call up an “honour” for Buddle

Spartans defender Nathan Buddle revealed his delight at his call up to the England "C" representative squad. The former Hartlepool United man was rewarded for a consistent debut season at Croft Park with a call up to don the Three Lions in their game against a Northern League XI to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the League. Buddle will be joined in the squad by team mates Matthew Wade, Dan Maguire and Lewis Horner and described it as a "massive honour" for the quartet.

"I was over the moon when I heard. It was one of the lads who told me actually. Robbo(Paul Robinson) sent me a text saying well done on getting in the squad and I didn't know a thing about it. He has seen it on Twitter and when I got the letter it was amazing. The rest of the lads in there feel the same way too, it's a massive honour"

It's been quite a season for Buddle who has developed into one of the most consistent defenders in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League and he is one of the key factors behind Spartans play off challenge. A season that began with the centre back's release from Pools is ending on a more happy note with the call up to Paul Fairclough's squad the "cherry on the cake" for the twenty year old.

"Last year was a big blow but I have really enjoyed this season with Spartans and the call up is just the cherry on the cake. I haven't really had a full season and to be given the opportunity to do that here has been great"

After Saturday's win at Ilkeston, Spartans sit in seventh position in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League and within striking distance of the play offs. With one defeat in 2014 Buddle admitted confidence is high in the camp ahead the trip to fellow play off rivals Rushall Olympic on Saturday.

"I feel like every game I am going out and enjoying it and obviously we are in great form so things are going really well. Everyone is confident and it just feels like things are going to keep getting better and better. I just can't wait for the next game"