And now we’re down to the final 3 games, after what feels like the fastest season ever. Spartans sit 3 points above the drop zone but with a mounting injury list and teams below us having games in hand. So once again, it could all go down to the wire.
The Opposition
After netting 15 goals in 25 games, Rushall lost star man Danny Waldron in January to Southend United for a rumoured £25,000. Many thought that would see Rushall slide right down the table and into the glue league, but they’ve managed to fight on. With 2 wins from their last 3 league games, they have a real belief and confidence about them at the moment. Up top they’re powered by Owen Oseni who’s joined on loan from Derby County in January, scoring 5 in 12 league games so far in his short time at the club. He’s the sort of player who plays off the shoulder of a defender in the same way Dan Maguire used to, looking to use his pace to get in behind a defender and cause chaos.
Walsall loanee Ronan Maher has probably been one of Rushall’s best players this season. Usually featuring on the wing but also capable of playing in a central role, he’s quick, skilful, can pick a pass and grafts his balls off. He’s registered at least 6 assist’s this season for them as well. Former Boston United man Sam McLintock has been a mainstay of the team this year, operating in a central and attacking role. He’s a proper playmaker, who’s equally good with both feet. At the back, club captain and experienced right back Kristian Green will be a threat on our left flank. A proper ‘wise old head’ in defence, he still has a bit of pace about him and can hoy a canny cross in.
Blyth Team news
Apparently we have a few players coming back from injury ahead of tomorrow, but I don’t have a fucking clue who they are – so I’m going to more or less copy Monday’s injury round up here. Apart from the obvious in JJ O’Donnell who’s out indefinitely, both Harry Gardiner and Malakai Reeve were injured in the game away at Peterborough Sports, Michael Liddle was of course injured in the Buxton game, and that appears to be his season done. Jordan Cook appeared to get a knock in the Southport game, and hasn’t been since since. That’s on top of Harry Arnison absence in recent weeks. Alex Mitchell will likely miss tomorrow’s game as well after going off with a head injury on Good Friday. No update yet on Joe Oliver’s status. JJ Hooper also missed Monday’s game at Chorley after going off against Curzon Ashton with a hamstring injury.
Fan Info
If you haven’t bought your tickets already, you can do so here. Personally I’d recommend buying them online and arriving well before 3pm, as the que’s on the turnstiles last time meant some people didn’t get until after 3:15pm.
At present, no pitch inspection is scheduled. But depending on the forecast, that could change.
The clubhouse will be open from midday as per usual though there is dick all on TV sadly, unless anyone really wants to watch Vodacom Bulls vs Lyon in the Investetc Champions Cup? Didn’t think so.
The club store will be open from 1:30pm, in what will be the Supporters Club’s penultimate game. The burger van opposite will also be open and serving bait for roughly the same time, perhaps even a little earlier actually if you’re hanging and need a bacon sarnie.
Don’t forget to cast your vote for for the Spartans Fans Player of the Season as well! The voting booth will be open from about 1pm near the pie stall in the clubhouse. So keep an eye out for that!
Ref Watch
Sadly, we welcome back Matthew McQuillan. He took charge of the game against Warrington Town, and put in one of the worst refereeing displays we’ve seen here in sometime. The less said about this unbearable pony tailed prick the better.
Betting Preview
A hard one to predict really, due to Blyth having picked up more injuries than points this calendar year. Rushall have momentum, and we have so many key players out I actually couldn’t even predict what tomorrow’s line up will look like.
Sadly, I don’t have a tingle in my magic sack that senses a Blyth win. A 1-1 draw seems reasonable, but we’ll need to defend much better than we have been in recent weeks.