Everyone at Blyth Spartans was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our legendary centre half Arthur Sowden.
Arthur made his Spartans debut on the opening day of the 1950-51 North Eastern League season in a 4-1 win over Gateshead Reserves at Croft Park. He had to wait until an FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round tie in 1956 for his first goal as he got the opener in a 3-0 home win over Annfield Plain, one of two goals Arthur scored in the green and white. His other goal coming in the same season in a 1-1 Northumberland Senior Cup semi final draw against Newburn.
Captaining Spartans on a regular basis Sowden was in the side for the epic 1951/52 FA Cup tie against Division Three North side Tranmere Rovers that saw three replays and one abandoned game. Although he did miss the decisive game that took place at Everton’s Goodison Park and saw Spartans finally succumb to their Football League opponents in a 1-5 defeat after draws at Prenton Park and Carlisle United’s Brunton Park as well as the abandoned game at Croft Park. Arthur was given a benefit match which took place at Croft Park in 1960 as Spartans faced a team comprising of Football League players.
Arthur’s funeral will take place at 1.30pm on Friday 4th January at Cowpen Cemetary
Everyone at Spartans wishes to send their condolences to Arthur’s family and friends.