Poppies' survival hopes don't hinge on just one game, insists boss Cox

The Poppies have been kicking their heels for the past three weeks due to a string of postponements but are set to return to action in the north-east tomorrow (Saturday).

And the clash represents a huge opportunity for both teams.

Blyth currently occupy the second relegation spot in the Vanarama National League North with Kettering seven points clear of them and with four games in hand.

For Spartans, a win on Saturday would give them renewed hope of climbing out of trouble.

But the Poppies know that a positive result in their favour would represent a giant step towards securing their status.

However, manager Cox isn’t about to pin everything on just one match.

And he insists Kettering’s bid for survival will come down to how consistent they can be over the final two months of the campaign.

“Everyone will be looking at the game and saying that if we were to win, or even get a draw, then it will put Blyth down to nine matches to play and probably makes it a bit harder for them but still mathematically possible,” the Poppies boss said.

“I think everyone should know by now that with me, I don’t just concentrate on the one game.

“I am expecting it to be very tough up there but I want us to finish the season strongly and I want us to achieve our goals.

“So it doesn’t just come down to this one game. It’s about how consistent we can be during a mini-season of 14 games.

“And if we can be as consistent as we have been in the previous 14 matches then we will give ourselves the best possible chance of achieving our goals for the season.”

The Poppies look set to have a fully-fit squad to choose from for the basement clash with the exception of defender Michael McGrath who is waiting to start a two-match ban.