“If you possibly can back up results you do. We know how difficult the game will be. Everyone will look at the table and say that’s three points, but the game doesn’t work that way. This league certainly doesn’t work that way. Anybody can beat anybody, on any given day. We have to make sure we prepare properly, and give full respect to Blyth, which we will, because they are fighting for their lives.”

“They’ve got a much better squad than they had a couple of months ago – and they drew last weekend, conceding in the last minute, otherwise they would have won that one, so we have to make sure we don’t just rock up and think it’s three points. That’s the players and the fans. There are no guarantees at this level, so we will have to go out there and win our individual battles, ensure we are better in both boxes. And do everything we can to earn the three points.”

Blyth, fighting for their lives, have had a tumultuous season, following their relegation from the Vanarama National League North last season. Appointing Newcastle United legend, Nolberto Solano didn’t have the impact the Blyth townsfolk would have wanted. A short stint with David Stockdale failed to boost Blyth’s spirits, Stockdale recently being unveiled as manager at National League North side, Farsley Celtic.

The Green Army are bottom of the pile, with seventeen points from 29 games played, two more than the Holy Blues, with a minus 35 goal difference. Although perhaps leaving things a little late, Blyth are fighting for their lives and have picked up some positive results, victory over Mickleover and creditable points against Morpeth and Leek still haven’t been enough for them to fully bridge the gap between them and second bottom Mickleover. A six-point gap to 21st, and a further nine points to safety.

Blyth have a familiar face in their squad, Joel Holvey. Joel played over twenty games for Trinity last season, on loan from Rotherham United. Following the expiration of his deal at the Millers, he linked up with Blyth in the summer, making 25 appearances. Following a period out of the side, he was back in the starting line up against Leek, for the first time since Boxing Day.

The last time the two sides met, was back in October 2018, with Blyth winning in the Emirates FA Cup Third Qualifying Round. In just over four weeks, the reverse fixture is scheduled, with Russ Wilcox’s men heading to Croft Park, on a Tuesday night, in mid-March

Matchday Programme: The latest edition of the Holy Blues Review features Declan Howe celebrating with Lewis Butroid as captured by Sean Cook of Foxby Media. Other photos are also included within the programme that boasts articles from Ross Jackson, where today's word is sustainability. Jamie Johnson and Dale Storey provide their thoughts on recent games and a musing as to what may be next in store for the Holy Blues. Steve Andrews and Pip Anderson give a historical slant to proceedings, as well as the views from inside the camp, with Russ Wilcox's and Dylan Cogill's popular columns.

Grab your copy at the turnstiles, and help to keep the printed programme alive and kicking! Priced at £2.50 and with plenty to read, there's something for everyone! 

Club on the Park: A Polite Notice: Club on the Park, our Boardroom, is exclusively available for Board Members, Away Directors & and Match Sponsors. Supporters are reminded that drinks are available in the Blues Club during half-time. Access is via the Concert room doors via the Carlilse Street.

Club Shop: If you're not already wrapped up warm during this cold snap, pop in and see Clare in the Club Shop, where she is well stocked with hats and scarves, including pink bobble hats that are available, (limited number at present). There's lots of other bargains too, with the 10% off throughout the month of February still running, excludes online purchases.

Elsewhere: There are some cracking fixtures in this weekend round of games. Guiseley and Hebburn both have home games, where they could pick up psychological victories over teams in and around them in the play-off race...

Macclesfield head to Rylands, who will be looking to bounce back from a first defeat in five, in midweek, at the hands of Russ' Holy Blues, it's certainly a difficult one to call as there will be plenty of twists and turns on the day, for sure.

Ashton United vs Lancaster City
Basford United vs Matlock Town
FC United of Manchester vs Bamber Bridge
Guiseley vs Ilkeston Town
Hebburn Town vs Worksop Town
Leek Town vs Whitby Town
Mickleover vs Stockton Town
Morpeth Town vs Prescot Cables
Warrington Rylands vs Macclesfield
Workington vs Hyde United

Preview by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Photos by Sean Cook (Foxby Media) Check out his album from the Warrington Rylands game by clicking this link