“The Spartans are coming to attack Skelmersdale” is the shout that will go up on Saturday, as the famous Northumberland based FA Cup fighters come to Stormy Corner to do battle in the Evo-Stik Premier Division. Blyth Spartans to be precise and they are presently top of the table, six points clear of this season’s much publicised FA Cup side Salford City.
Blyth couldn’t really arrive at a better time for Skelmersdale. Tommy Lawson’s side are arguably in their best form since August having gone through two rounds in the FA Trophy this month. Players are noticeably fitter and the injury situation is improving, with players coming available again after lay-offs.
Tommy Lawson has moved into the transfer market this week with a couple of signings to strengthen things up in attack and the big thing is that confidence is returning to the playing style. It all goes to make Saturday an interesting test, for both teams.
As one would imagine Blyth have a good away record. Played ten, won seven, drawn one and lost two. They sit at the top of the table with 39 points from 18 games. Last season they lost in the league at Skelmersdale 1-0, Kenny Strickland getting the winner with a spectacular free-kick, in a game that’s saw both teams finish with ten men. Blyth gained revenge in the FA Cup however, defeating Skem 4-1 before going on to reach the third round, where they eventually succumbed to Birmingham City.
Blyth have built on the momentum that FA Cup run gave them and it is said to be between them, Salford City and Darlington 1882 as to who wins the division at the end of the season.
What will make it an even more intriguing clash is the fact that the onus will be on Blyth to attack Skelmersdale and that could suit Skem. They have done well recently against the better teams.
Skelmersdale have had their squad boosted with two new signings and two returning players. The pair making a return is, Isaac Kusaloka. Who has been absent for four weeks due to getting married, Tommy Lawson giving him a break. The other is Paul Woolcott who has had family business commitments to sort out, he returned for the FA Trophy tie with Lincoln United and he will make a difference in the middle of the park.
Skelmersdale supporters who went to the Lincoln match on Saturday saw one of the new signings Osebi Abadaki come on a substitute and look threatening with his direct manner of play on the right, he looks strong, powerful and quick. Tommy Lawson captured his signature from Buxton.
No doubt in contention for selection on Saturday will be another forward, 22 year old Ghanaian Yaw Gyimah who has made reputation for getting plenty of goals for Curzon Ashton’s reserves. He is certainly something to look forward to for the Skelmersdale support.
Skelmersdale have no midweek game scheduled for next week, which will be a big help as they prepare for the next round of the FA Trophy when they travel to National League North Chorley. There will be plenty about the build-up to the FA Trophy match in next week’s Champion, along with a match report from Saturday 3pm clash with Blyth Spartans.