Hartlepool United vs Blyth Spartans – Match Preview

FA CUP 2nd ROUND
Venue: Victoria Park, Hartlepool (TS24 8BZ)
Date: Friday 5th December 2014
Kick Off: 19:55

SCORE UPDATES / MATCH COMMENTARY
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Radio Northumberland
BBC 2 – LIVE COVERAGE
BBC Radio Newcastle

ADMISSION
£20 – Adults
£10 – Concession

Reminder that this is an all ticketed fixture, turnstile payments will not be accepted.

TEAM NEWS
With victory over league rivals Witton Albion on Saturday, Spartans will no doubt be heading into the biggest match of recent years with nothing short of high confidence, boasting a run of 19 games containing only 3 defeats. With several Blyth players having connections to Hartlepool United, the tie is guaranteed to be a thriller and not one people will forget quickly.

Saturday saw Dan Maguire score his fourth goal in November. He came off just past the half hour mark, with a leg injury, which is unlikely to rule him out for the match on Friday. Manager Tom Wade admitted he had the chance to rest a couple players, ahead of the FA Cup tie, including son Matthew, who came on 72nd minute to put Spartans back in the lead, which secured a 2-1 win. With no other injury concerns, manager Wade will be hoping to have a full squad to pick from, ahead of the clash.

DIRECTIONS
– Take the A19 southbound throught the Tyne Tunnel
– Merge onto the A179 ramp for Hartlepool
– At the roundabout, take the second exit, staying on the A179
– At the following roundabout, take the third exit onto Easington Road
– At the following roundabout, take the second exit, staying on Easington Road
– At the following roundabout, take the second exit onto Powlett Road
– At the following roundabout, take the third exit onto Marina Way
– At the following roundabout, take the third exit onto Middleton Road
– Turn left up Clarence Road and the ground will be ahead

OPPOSITION MANAGER
Paul Murray – first managerial job, ex Hartlepool player – been incharge of the club since 23rd October 2014

DANGER MAN
Adam Campbell – On loan from Newcastle United, poses a goal threat with his pace and acceleration

LAST TIME WE MET
Hartlepools United 5-1 Blyth Spartans – 4th November 1961

RECORD AGAINST OPPOSITION
Played – 12
Won – 5
Lost – 3
Drew – 6

Scored – 21
Conceded – 21

MUTUAL FRIENDS
Nathan Buddle
Damon Mullen
Stephen Turnbull
Darren Craddock
Carl Jones
Andy Appleby
Johnny Langlands
Tony Skedd
Jordan Mellish
Michael Maidens – RIP
Mick Tait (managed both)
Paul Baker (managed both)
Plus numerous others…

OFFICIALS
Referee: Andrew Madley
Assistants: Mark Astley and Michael Denton
Fourth Official: Peter Bankes

Posted by BSAFC Admin