With only 4 games to go, Spartans travel to Chorley in search of some much needed points. Chorley will be just as desperate for points however, as they fight to secure a bye in the play offs. Despite our decent form at Victory Park in recent years, an injury hit Spartans team will have their work cut out for them I fear.
The Opposition
Winger/Striker Carlton Ubaezuonu has netted 13 goals in the league thus far for Chorley, averaging a goal every 167 minutes. The Irish/Nigerian/English/South African has pace for days, and will definitely give Rhys or Bods a hard time. On the other wing you’ll likely find Justin Johnson, who’s also bagged 13 goals so far this season.
Star goalkeeper Matt Urwin returned to the first team after missing just over 2 months of action, keeping a clean sheet in Chorley’s 3-0 win over Darlington. One of the best keepers around, he’ll be keen to keep a clean sheet on his return to Victory Park. Forward Jack Hazlehurst should be suspended for tomorrow, which is good news for us as he’s had a canny season for Chorley thus far.
Blyth Team News
After going off with that looked like a concussion on Friday, Alex Mitchell will likely be missing this one. JJ Hooper also went off on Friday holding his hammy, but I’ve ne idea if he was just taken off as a precaution.
Harry Gardiner, Malakai Reeve, Michael Liddle, Harry Arnison, Jordan Cook and of course JJ O’Donnell should all be missing from this one as well due to injury. Joe Oliver may also be back for this one after his trial north of the border.
Predicting a line up is tricky with the injury doubts, and of course Hoop’s being in the team could make or break us tomorrow. If he is in the side, I could probably envisage us lining up like so.
Fan Info
Tickets can be found here. I’d probably recommend buying them in advance to save time, and tomorrow tickets won’t be going up on the day.
The bar at the ground is quite canny, and does some decent pints. Admittedly I can’t remember what they have on tap, as I’ve never been that sober when visiting Chorley. The scran at the ground is top tier though, and I’d definitely recommend checking that out.
Ref Watch
Monday’s referee will be Oliver Noonan, who was in charge of our game away at Rushall in December (I think). in 16 National League North games he’s dished out 53 yellow cars, 5 reds and awarded 2 penalties. Clearly he loves a card and if you have a look online, he’s been heavily criticised by managers in the past.
Betting Preview
The bookies are giving us zero chance tomorrow sadly. They expect Chorley to win comfortably and given our injuries and where they are in the league, I can understand why.
IF Hoops is playing, I can see us getting a draw from Chorley – which I’ll take all day long. Without Hooper leading the line, I fear tomorrow might be a struggle.