EVO-STIK PREMIER DIVISION
Venue: Croft Park, Blyth, Northumberland (NE24 3JE)
Date: Tuesday August 23, 2016
Kick Off: 7:45pm
SCORE UPDATES / MATCH COMMENTARY
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Radio Blyth Live
ADMISSION
£10 – Adults (+u10 y/o free)
£5 – Concession
£1 Extra – Entry to Port of Blyth Stand
TEAM NEWS
Despite wins in each of their two Saturday Evo-Stik Premier Division games so far, Spartans go into Tuesday’s top of the table clash against Ashton United still looking for their first points from a midweek game.
Ashton remain unbeaten in their three games so far – having recorded wins over Frickley Athletic and Hednesford Town either side of a draw at home to Nantwich Town – to put the early pacesetters one point ahead of Blyth in the league standings.
Matthew Wade was caught on the hip in Saturday’s 5-0 win over Halesowen, so is a doubt to be ready in time for Tuesday’s game. Peter Jeffries also received another knock to his hip, but spent much of the second half as a spectator so should be alright for the visit of Ashton.
Saturday’s man of the match Matty Pattison was being monitored after the weekend. However, he should also be available for selection by manager Tom Wade.
OPPOSITION MANAGER
Paul Phillips & Steve Halford – The player/managers lead Ashton United to the 2014/15 Evo-Stik Premier Division playoffs, where they lost to local rivals Curzon Ashton on penalties.
The duo then suffered playoff heartbreak again 12 months later, when United lost their semi-final to eventual winners Salford City in extra time.
DANGER MAN
Lee Gaskell – Despite being unable to find the net against pre-season title favourites Hendesford Town last time out, Gaskell still has three goals so far.
His brace on the opening day in Ashton’s 3-1 win over Frickley Athletic was followed up with his side’s only goal in a 1-1 draw with Nantwich Town, so he will be looking to overtake Spartans’ Danny Maguire at the top of the league goalscorers list on Tuesday night.
LAST TIME WE MET
Ashton United 1-1 Blyth Spartans – Tuesday October 20 2015
RECORD AGAINST OPPOSITION
Played – 18
Won – 10
Lost – 5
Drew – 3
Scored – 36
Conceded – 25
MUTUAL FRIENDS
Greg Pearson
OFFICIALS
Referee: Michael Andrews
Assistants: Stephen Beresford and Lee May