With Blyth’s game with AFC Telford United being called off due to the snow, a ‘behind closed doors’ friendly was hastily arranged between Newcastle United reserve team manager Peter Beardsley and his former boss at Hartlepool United Mick Tait. Which saw the Spartans travel to the large indoor pitch at Newcastle United’s Darsley Park facility in Longbenton.
The Spartans lined up with there usual matchday squad, with one unnamed trialist (captain Paul Brayson was rested as a precaution as he has a minor ankle injury picked up in training this week and it was felt that the unforgiving 3G pitch would do the injury no favours) Newcastle lined up with their reserve team outfit that included Phil Airey, Ryan Donaldson, and Sami Ameobi
Spartans started much the stronger of the two sides with a John Alexander brace, both from the right edge of the penalty area, and a well taken drive from Nicky Deverdics, this time from the left wing, sending the Spartans into a 3-0 lead after only 15 minutes. The closest that Newcastle came to reducing the arrears was when Phil Airey reacted quickest to a well struck 20 yard drive from Newcastle United which struck a post, but the striker was deemed to be in an offside position.
The second half continued much the same as the first with both teams playing quick passing football. Newcastle were given a lifeline in the game as they were awarded a penalty, when Dan Groves was harshly adjudged to have fouled his man on the right edge of the box. Striker Phil Airey stepped up to take the kick but his poorly struck penalty was easily saved by Jake Cunningham.
Newcastle finally got on the score sheet with 15 minutes to go, Neal Hooks was robbed in the centre of the park and the ball was played through to Jóan Símun Edmundsson, which saw the Faroe Islander calmly finish past Cunningham.
Spartans wouldn’t be denied though, in final minute a free kick on the right edge of the penalty area was expertly struck by Nicky Deverdics who gave the Newcastle ‘keeper no chance.
At the final whistle Spartans chairman Tony Platten remarked “We would like to express ours thanks to Newcastle United for inviting us to play in the game, with the recent weather it has been tricky to get things re-organised so it was good that the lads got a very competitive work out under their belts against a strong Newcastle side, in what was very entertaining game.
“The squad have built up a head of steam recently with the good run of results and whilst today’s game was only a friendly it can only go to increasing the lad’s confidence.”
The Spartans will hope that the weather improves this week to give this weekend’s FA Trophy clash at home to Fleetwood Town a chance to go ahead.