Midfield enforcer strengthens Spartans

Blyth Spartans have swooped for their second signing in a week after announcing they've reached an agreement with West Auckland for powerful central midfielder Craig Hubbard.

The 25-year-old follows Billingham Synthonia striker Andrew Jennings to Croft Park after the frontman signed for manager Paddy Atkinson before the weekend.

Hubbard, pictured, who's also played for Spennymoor Town and Bedlington Terriers, featured against the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Spartans for Bedlington in last season’s FA Cup.

Manager Paddy Atkinson reckons Hubbard will fit in well at the Spartans and could throw his new midfielder enforcer straight into action when his squad travel to title-challening Hednesford on Saturday.

Atkinson said: "I’m delighted to get Craig on board, he was a target over the summer and once I knew he wanted to come to the Spartans, I was really keen to get him on board. He’s got a great attitude and was desperate to come to Croft Park.”

"He’s a big strong midfielder, with a great engine, strong in the tackle and decent in the air and is something that we lack at the minute. I’m hoping that he can make a big difference in the centre of park, as he is a player ideally suited to this league."