Blyth Spartans can announce the next batch of pre-season friendlies (following on from the Hartlepool United XI game), these are as follows: –
Sat 2 July – Partrick Thistle (Home)
Wed 13 July – Shildon (Home)
Sat 23 July – Norton and Stockton Ancients (Away)
The Partrick Thistle fixture will be of particular interest to SpartansFans following the success of the fixture a few seasons ago and is sure to be a popular fixture with fans. Partrick are on a pre-season camp in the Teeside area and will prove a strong early test for Steve Cuggy’s new side.
The Shildon fixture will be popular as it will see the return of two of Blyth Spartans most likeable recent characters in the form of Chris McCabe and Craig Price. The Northern League side did very well last season and have made some useful additions to their squad this season – signing Tadge and striker Warren Byrne – and will be hoping to push on this season.
The Norton and Stockton Ancients fixture has been arranged as the Northern League side are opening a new clubhouse facility and have invited the Spartans (and their fans) down to commemorate the opening. New Spartans boss Steve Cuggy also commented that Norton have an excellent playing surface, so the game should provide some entertainment to the supporters.
Cuggy, despite only being officially unveiled last night, has some other potential fixtures lined up and these will be announced in due course.