Preview | Curzon Ashton (A) | National League North | 21/22

Blyth Spartans embark on their first away trip of the New Year as they travel to Tameside Stadium to take on Curzon Ashton.

Terry Mitchell’s side will be buoyed after two straight wins against North East rivals. After an impressive win over Spennymoor Town, Spartans kicked off 2022 with a bang as they defeated high-flying Gateshead 2-1 at a packed Croft Park.

The visitors took the lead through former on-loan Spartans striker Paul Blackett, before JJ O’Donnell and Robbie Dale turned the game on its head to seal a vital three points.

TICKET INFORMATION

Admission prices for this match are as follows:

  • Adults £15.00
  • Concessions £10.00 (Over 65)
  • Under 18’s and students £10.00
  • Under 10’s free.

All away supporters for terracing and seats are to use the turnstiles at gate 2 (Left hand side of the main car park).

Tickets can be booked in advance here

TEAM NEWS

Rhys Evans returns to the squad following his three-match ban. Central-defender Aaron Cunningham is back in training following injury, whereas Michael Liddle will be assessed after being forced off in the match with Gateshead.

Karl Byrne however will certainly miss out as he was sent off after picking up a second booking from the bench during Saturday’s game.

OPPOSITION

Due to their New Year’s clash with Southport getting postponed, Curzon haven’t played since their 4-3 defeat away to Chorley on 28th December. On that occasion goals from Jack Dunn, Alex Curran (not that one!) and Tom Peers put the Nash 3-2 up only for the hosts to grab two late goals and snatch the points.

Former boss Steve Cunningham oversaw a strong start to the season, as they won five of their first seven league games. However their run was halted by a number of postponements due to Covid, and despite returning to action in an impressive home win against AFC Fylde – current boss, Adam Lakeland’s first match in charge – the Nash are now winless in their last five.

WHAT WE’RE SAYING

Speaking to Blyth Live’s Niall Bromley, Mitchell was delighted with how the squad has performed since his arrival. “The results were excellent over Christmas, we couldn’t ask for any more and the mood is really buoyant, as you would expect.

Any manager is always looking to improve their squad. However when I came into the club I wanted to give the squad at least six games so we could then reflect on what we’ve got, and we’re delighted on what we’ve seen so far.

Curzon willl be another tough game, they’re a good footballing side. They’ve had a few injuries but brought in a few loan signings who have added to the squad.

There’s a long way to go this season, a lot of points to go. We’re 10 points off play-offs. I said to the lads when we came in, when we were only a point above relegation, that it’s something we can aim for.”

LAST TIME WE MET

The last meeting between the sides was in November 2020, also at Tameside Stadium, where Blyth ran out 3-0 winners, in what was Spartans only win in a curtailed league season. Paul Blackett got himself a brace with Kris Thackray getting the other.

It’s fair to say that Spartans have enjoyed a phenomenal record over the Nash in the last few seasons, winning all seven of their league games since their promotion to National League North in 2017. The only blot on the copybook being a remarkable 4-4 draw in the FA Cup in September 2019, however that was followed up by a 1-0 home win at Croft Park a few days later.

MEDIA COVERAGE

Niall Bromley will be joined by guest commentator Karl Byrne on Blyth Live from 2:45pm.

Alternatively, you can follow the game via our social media platforms.

Posted by BSAFC Media Team