VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH
Venue: Hurst Cross, Ashton
Date: Saturday 23rd March 2019
Kick Off: 3.00pm
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ADMISSION
AduMatchlts – £12
Concessions – £8 (£2 extra for Stand Transfer)
Under 12s – £3
By Stuart Dick
After two weeks of postponements, Blyth Spartans return to action against relegation threatened Ashton United as Spartans look to continue their decent away form. Spartans have lost just once in their last 10 away games in the division and will be looking for three points to move up the table.
Alun Armstrong will likely have David Atkinson available for the selection for the first time, but Sean Reid will miss the trip due to his own stag do.
The Opposition:
Ashton United currently sit three points off safety in 21st with eight games remaining. They have won eight, drawn six and lose 20 of their 34 games to date and are fighting for their lives as they aim to avoid a quick return to the Northern Premier League.
Ashton have failed to score in their last three games, losing all three – but they did pick up a huge scalp when they beat leaders Chorley 1-0 at home in February. In total Ashton have won just one of their last seven games in the National League North.
The tale of the tape:
This will be the 22nd meeting between the two side since they first met in December 1994, a 4-1 victory for the visitors this weekend in that one. Spartans have won 11, drawn five and lost five against Ashton United in all competitions
At Hurst Cross both sides have picked up four victories in the 10 meetings between the two outfits – in addition to two draws. The last meeting between the two sides at the home of Ashton United was a 1-1 draw during the promotion clinching season – an army of Blyth Mexicans formed a wall in the annual away day fancy dress, with Mr Trump as in attendance.
The Manager:
Jody Banim was a well-travelled and prolific goalscorer with Football League experience; signed as front-line cover for Ashton in 2015 and scored with his first touch as a Robin – returned to the club in the summer of 2016 after a brief return to former club Radcliffe Borough and was appointed joint manager in September 2016.