By Ben Lightfoot
On Non-League Day Blyth Spartans resume their National League North campaign as they host Chester at Croft Park.
The Spartans advanced to the Northumberland Senior Cup Final on Wednesday after beating Heaton Stannington 1-0 after Cedric Main scored after 68 minutes.
This will be the second year running Blyth play at St James Park in the Senior Cup, after beating Newcastle United U23’s 3-2 last season.
TICKET INFORMATION
- Tickets can be purchased in advance via our online system.
- Saturday’s match will be segregated with away supporters allocated the Plessey Road end.
- If you do not have online access, you can purchase your ticket by ringing the club office on 01670 352373 and paying with a debit or credit card. Your ticket can then be collected from the social club on match day.
- We will operate a cash turnstile. However, we strongly encourage you to purchase your ticket in advance.
- Tickets purchased in advance must be printed or stored on your phone. Without proof of ticket, you will not be permitted into Croft Park.
- Advanced tickets can be bought up until 2pm on a matchday.
- Should you wish to sit in the Port of Blyth Stand, you should purchase in advance.
TEAM NEWS
There are no fresh injury concerns from Wednesday’s match. Jaden Ferguson could be in line for his debut after signing on Thursday evening.
OPPOSITION
Chester currently sits third in the National League North as they are looking to stay in the playoff places as the season comes to a close next month.
The Seals drew 2-2 with Scarborough Athletic at the Deva Stadium last time out as Chester thought they’d won it after Charlie Canton scored in the 87th minute, but Will Wells effort in the 93rd minute rescued a point for Scarborough.
WHAT WE’RE SAYING
After their last league match against Brackley, Graham Fenton said: “96th minute, when there has been no fouls in the second half, that’s one point.
“Let’s just look at the second half, we were nowhere near good enough, it’s nowhere near, so pretty much for the first half-hour we dominated being by far the better team, got the lead and literally gone as a team lets protect the lead.
“Psychologically this is symptomatic of our season so far, that we can’t go from 1-0 and so far on top, to two and three and kill the game, that’s why we open ourselves up to what has just happened in that last 30 seconds of the game.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Following a draw against Scarborough, Calum McIntyre said: “A good performance, a disappointing result. Disappointed with key moments, pleased with a lot of football we played.
“We had possession in good areas, we had territory, we had real opportunities and we’ve got to do more, we’ve got to score more.
“I didn’t think we started the second half how we might like to, disappointed with the goals against, we then go in front and the last goal is a farce isn’t it, an absolute farce.”
LAST TIME WE MET
At the Deva Stadium in December, Blyth returned home with nothing as Chester edged the game 1-0 through Kurt Willoughby’s strike after seven minutes.
Last season at Croft Park the outcome was no different as the visitors won 3-1 as they went 3-0 up after 48 minutes.
Sean Reid clinched a goal back for the Spartans with 20 minutes to go, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback for Blyth.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Join Blyth Live from 2:45
Alternatively, you can follow the game via our social media platforms.