EVO-STIK NORTHERN PREMIER DIVISION
Venue: Croft Park, Blyth (NE24 3JE)
Date: Saturday December 17
Kick Off: 3pm
SCORE UPDATES / MATCH COMMENTARY
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ADMISSION
£10 – Adults (+1 under 11 free with every paying adult)
£6 – Concessions (Over 60s and U18s)
£1 Extra – Entry to Port of Blyth Stand
TEAM NEWS
Blyth are looking to bounce back after disappointingly going out of the Buildbase FA Trophy last Saturday to Altrincham.
Going into the interval 3-0 down, Spartans could have capitulated even further. However, they showed grit and determination to fightback to 3-2, thanks to goals from Luke Armstrong and Robert Dale. Ultimately though, Blyth just couldn’t force an equaliser.
Barwell have arrested a recent slump in form to record four victories in their last five games. Their most recent game was a 3-1 victory away at Shepshed Dynamo in the Leicestershire and Rutland Challenge Cup on Tuesday evening, when a brace from Callum Ball and a goal for Nigel Julien were enough for the Canaries to record the win.
Blyth currently find themselves in sixth place in the league, but have multiple games in hand on the teams above them. Barwell are sitting comfortably in mid-table and are only six points behind Blyth before the game today. Spartans will hope to carry on their impressive record against Barwell, with five victories in their seven previous meetings and only one defeat.
Daniel Maguire will not be risked unless 100% fit after a knock sustained during the first game against Altrincham and Nathan Buddle will also be assessed – after being withdrawn in the first half of the replay against Altrincham. Matty Pattison will also look to add to his goal tally, following his brace against the same opponents in the reverse fixture in November.
RECENT FORM
Blyth Spartans – DWDDL
Barwell – WWWDW
IN THE OPPOSITION DUGOUT
Jamie Ginnelly – Started his managerial career with Stockingford AA before a spell with Atherstone Town. Barwell appointed Ginnelly as manager in 2010.
DANGER MAN
Luke Barlone – An experienced striker at this level after a spell with Rushall Olympic and has also played at Aylesbury United. He has a keen eye for goal but also weighs in with a fair amount of assists.
LAST TIME WE MET
Barwell 0 – 2 – Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division – Saturday November 5 2016
RECORD AGAINST OPPOSITION
Played – 7
Won – 5
Lost – 1
Drew – 1
Scored – 13
Conceded – 5
MUTUAL FRIENDS
Rikki Baines