Pools tie “massive” for winger Rivers

Friday night's FA Cup Second Round clash with Hartlepool United can't come quick enough for Blyth Spartans winger Jarrett Rivers. The former Middlesbrough academy graduate has been a key part of a memorable cup run with his late goal seeing off Mickleover Sports, as well as scoring what turned out to be the winning goal in the Fourth Qualifying Round win over Leek Town. With the clock ticking down to the big kick off Rivers admitted that it would be a big occasion for him and his family.

"This game is massive for me. I just can't wait for Friday to come. I've never played in the FA cup before and it's the biggest cup competition in England so it's going to be a huge occasion for myself and my family. It's probably going to be the biggest crowd I've been in front of too so I can't wait!"

Rivers was honest in his assessment of the fixture against the League Two outfit, a tie that he described as a "very tough game". However the in-form winger also believes his side can handle themselves well in front of the Match of the Day cameras come Friday night.

"We're expecting a very tough game. They're a professional side so they're going to be fit. They're also going to have some very good players that have played at the top level, but as long as we play like we know we can, I'm confident we can give any team a good game"

With three defeats in nineteen Spartans go into the Victoria Park fixture in good form. Rivers himself has five goals to his name this term, including three in the FA Cup and is making himself a real fans favourite at Croft Park. The winger admitted that he does still feel there is room for improvement from both himself and his team mates, citing their habit of making things difficult as a reason for that.

" I'm pleased with both my form and the teams form. I just try to improve every game I go into and will keep working hard to get better and better. Our performances in recent games have been good however we have made it difficult for ourselves at times! Everyone knows that form doesn't matter going into cup games like this though. It's just all about what you do on that day, so we've just got to go out there, work hard and play our best"

"Yeah I will have my mam & dad. Grandma and Grandad and my uncle and his partner going, they're all really looking forward to it. I think my Grandma has bought the whole club shop, so she'll be coming in her Blyth Spartans hat, scarf and top"