Blyth Spartans: Robbie Dale enjoys FA Cup excitement

Captain Robbie Dale says the build up to Blyth Spartans's FA Cup first-round tie with Altrincham matches the hype of their last run in the competition.

Spartans made the third round of the competition in 2008-09 when they were edged out by then-top flight Blackburn.

This year's run has taken Spartans through four rounds and Dale believes supporters are excited by the progress.

"With social media, so many messages of good luck have come through, it's been quite nice," Dale told BBC Look North.

"You can feel the build up this time round, you can see what it means to people to be playing in this game.

"A few of my mates are coming up to watch and there's been a lot more interest.

"Hopefully we'll have about 1,000 people there on Sunday."

Forward Dale, who juggles work in a bar with occasional sports massage clients outside of football, has been with the club for 11 seasons - either side of a short spell at Whitley Bay in 2011.

The 30-year-old has been a prolific scorer during his career with 122 goals in 396 games before this season, and has eight strikes to his name in all competitions so far this term.

"I've scored in each round so far, if I can keep that run going I'll be happy," Dale said.

"But if we can get anything out of the game we'll be happy."