This weekend’s visit of Garforth Town signifies the start of another season in a competition synonymous with the Spartans.
And Blyth will be hoping that the visit of the Evo-Stik League First Division North side is a good omen for them – having previously seen off Town in the qualifying rounds of two of their high-profile FA Cup runs.
A 6-0 First Qualifying Round thrashing here at Croft Park in September 1995 sent the team on their way to the Second Round, before a 1-0 away win in the Second Qualifying Round got the ball rolling towards that famous 3-4 First Round defeat against Blackpool in 1997/98.
Be sure to pick up an official matchday programme ahead of Saturday’s kick-off, for an extra special issue.
In honour of him passing 100 goals for the club earlier this season, Robert Dale looks back at his time at the club in the player interview. He also discusses his own experience of an FA Cup run and reveals why he thinks the current forward line can replicate the success of his partnership with Scott Bell, during the treble-winning season of 2005/06.
As well as the interview, the programme also includes a special centre-page infographic on Dale – with all of the information on each of his 104 goals so far for Blyth.
Tommy Cassidy, Ian Evans and Malcolm Stephenson all return with their regular columns and there is also match action from both the Marine game and Tuesday night’s trip to Stocksbridge Park Steels – as well as the usual information on our visitors.
The programme costs £2 and will be available prior to kick-off at both turnstiles, as well as inside the Social Club and the Club Shop.
If you can’t make the game, or indeed any other home fixture, you can order one – in advance of the game – from the Supporters’ Club (however, please be aware that stocks are limited.)