Latics lead the queue for cup hero Rivers

EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Blyth Spartans say winger Jarrett Rivers has earned a week long trial at League One Oldham Athletic.

The former Middlesbrough academy player is on the radar of several Football League clubs thanks to the exploits of Spartans in their run to the third round in this season's FA Cup. His performances included scoring his side's memorable late winner, pictured, in the 2-1 second round triumph at League Two Hartlepool United's Victoria Park.

Rivers joined the Premier Division club from Northern League side Whitley Bay in the summer after impressing in pre-season. After initially starting the campaign on the bench, the hard-working midfielder battled his way into Tom Wade's starting line-up and in September was rewarded with a contract at Croft Park.

Earlier in August, the 21-year-old scored a wonder goal in a 3-2 defeat to Newcastle United U21s that is still one of the most viewed videos on Spartans official YouTube channel, BSAFCTV.

Rivers has scored nine goals in 29 appearances so far this season after his brace in Saturday's 2-0 win over Belper Town and Spartans manager Tom Wade is delighted that the player is attracting the attention of the Latics and continuing interest from a number of other clubs in the professional game.

In a statement announcing the news on Monday, the Spartans boss said: "It’s a great opportunity for Jarrett to go down there and make an impression. He has been great for us this season and it shows how far we have come that the young lads are getting noticed. They’re a good group of lads and they deserve the recognition they are getting.

"There are a lot of other clubs interested in signing him and in all honesty the phone hasn’t stopped ringing. We wish him all the best down there and hope it works out for him."

He added: "We know he will be looked after because they were great with Dan Maguire when they took him on trial last season."

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