Fitness first for Mellish

Reflecting on Spartans pre-season form centre back Jordon Mellish insisted it was a case of fitness first, results second as his side prepares for their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League campaign. The former Hartlepool United man said "We've done alright but pre-season is all about fitness really, we just want everyone to be fit. Personally I'm feeling fitter and feeling better with my performances with each game and I think everyone else is the same here."

Last season was obviously a disappointing one as Spartans were relegated from the Blue Square North after a six season stay in the division and Mellish wants a return at the first time of asking. "We can't to get the season and we want to get back up there, we all do. In this league we have to take each game as it comes and just see what happens." he said. A number of new additions have been made to the Spartans squad and Mellish welcomed the new faces. "There are all great lads and have settled into the squad really well. There's a good spirit and it's really great to have them all here."

Following his goal at Sunderland RCA, Mellish will hope to get another pre-season goal when Spartans entertain Shildon at Croft Park tomorrow night in their latest pre-season fixture.