Nothing to lose in Blues cup tie for Buddle

After witnessing his side being drawn at home to SkyBet Championship side Birmingham City in the Third Round of the FA Cup Blyth Spartans defender Nathan Buddle was happy to see what he called a "top club" coming to Croft Park.

Friday evening's Second Round win over Buddle's former club Hartlepool United set up the tie with Gary Rowett's side. The centre back insisted his said "have absolutely nothing to lose" against the club who played Europa League football as recently as the 2011/12 season having won the Carling Cup during the previous campaign.

"My reaction to the draw was the same as many I think. Although it's not the dream Premier League club we were hoping for we are facing a top club nonetheless.

You could hear the supporters reaction in the club when the draw was made so I am sure it will be a sellout. We will have a right go, what have absolutely nothing to lose much like at Hartlepool and who knows what will happen on the day"

For now though Buddle wants to see his side focus on Evo-Stik League matters, starting with Tuesday night's home fixture with Trafford.

Spartans sit just above the relegation zone with as many as ten games in hand on some clubs in the league, that fact caused by the impressive FA Cup run.

However Buddle insisted that whilst the run is "a massive bonus" the league fixtures remain the focus for his team mates.

"It's hugely important to keep our focus on the league, as far as we are concerned out main target for the season has never changed. We are aiming for the play offs and the FA Cup run is just a massive bonus.

We have to make sure we start climbing the table with these games in hand and keep the momentum going so we are high in confidence leading up to the cup tie with Birmingham"