Blyth disaster to spur on Simpson

Town entertain Blue Square South outfit Staines in the first round tomorrow, knowing only too well of the potential pitfalls having been embarrassed by a 3-1 defeat at Blyth Spartans at the same stage last season.

And Simpson has been quick to draw on the memories of that miserable afternoon in the north east as motivation for tomorrow.

"I don't often use negatives to give people a jolt but I have done this week," said the Town boss. "Everyone involved in that defeat needs to remember the feeling we had.

"It's one of the most embarrassing games I have been involved in as a player or a manager and everyone involved needs to remember the feeling of seeing the game on Sky Sports News and seeing the result in the papers.

"Those that weren't involved need to speak to those that were involved to find out what the feeling was like."

Simpson took the opportunity to watch Staines last week when they continued their impressive recent run with a 1-0 league victory over Newport County. "They are a decent side with some good players and they will enjoy coming to our stadium," he added.

"It's going to be a test for us but if we approach it as we did against Notts County last week, we should be okay."

Goalkeeper Chris Neal returns to first-team duties after Steve Phillips' loan spell ended, while Harry Hooman could deputise for the suspended Dean Holden at right back.

Steve Leslie and Joss Labadie are the front-runners to replace the unavailable Jamie Devitt in midfield.

And the place of Waide Fairhurst — like fellow loanee Devitt unavailable because his parent club don't want him Cup-tied - is likely to go to either Nathan Elder or Jake Robinson.

By JAMES GARRISON