McHugh looks forward to Croft Park bow

A week after putting pen to paper on a deal to join Blyth Spartans, goalkeeper Adam McHugh admitted he couldn't wait to make his debut for the club in Tuesday night's friendly against SkyBet League Two club Carlisle United.

The former Spennymoor Town number one will get his first chance to impress the Green Army as Spartans face Keith Curle's side and McHugh is eager to sample the atmosphere at Croft Park.

"I have been told how the place can be when the supporters get behind the side and obviously I saw things last season during the cup run that you couldn't help but be impressed with.

It's a tough test for us but that's what you want in pre-season, we don't want games that are easy, we want to be tested and Carlisle United will be a great start for us"

McHugh(pictured above with Carl King during their time with the Moors) is also looking forward to the challenge of stepping up into the top level of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League after missing out on promotion with the Moors via the play-offs.

And that is a heartache he is hoping to avoid this season.

"It was tough missing out in the play-offs last season but now I am in this league with Spartans and I want to help us get out of it. Obviously you want to win the league and avoid the play-offs and that has to be our target. It will be tough stepping up, I know that, but I am up for the challenge".

McHugh revealed that settling in at Spartans had been easy, thanks to a number of familiar faces at the club, including goalkeeper coach King, who is back with the club during pre-season.

"I've settled quickly, very quickly actually. The players have been great and have made it easy to settle in. Obviously I know Kingy from being at Spennymoor with him and I knew Arran Wearmouth before I came to the club. Hopefully things can go on from here and I can have a great career at the club because that is what I am aiming to do"