Preview | Curzon Ashton (H) | National League North | 2023/24

Blyth Spartans start their first of two games over the Easter Weekend on Good Friday as they host Curzon Ashton at Croft Park.

The Spartans drew their last game 2-2 with Peterborough Sports as Matt Tootle’s 98th-minute equaliser denied the Spartans all three points, on Non-League Day.

TICKET INFORMATION

You can buy tickets with cash or card at the gate on the day or online here. All ticket information is as follows:

  • Adults – £15 standing
  • Concessions (over 65) – £9
  • 11-16 Years & Students – £6
  • Under-10s are admitted for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

To be seated in the Port of Blyth main stand, an extra £2 cost will be incurred for each category. 

TEAM NEWS

Malakai Reeve and Harry Gardiner are expected to miss Friday’s clash having been withdrawn during Saturday’s game with injuries.

Lirak Hasani will be in contention to make his debut for Blyth Spartans after signing on loan from Gateshead until the end of the season.

WHAT WE’RE SAYING

Following late drama that impacted the Spartans at Lincoln Road, Jon Shaw said: “It feels like a defeat.

“You know, you’re 2-1 up against 10 men, which the 10 men thing, should we be able to manage things better, yes I think we did at times manage it, but it’s not really like the space we would normally expect.

“If we were at home against 10 men, you would go well we probably keep the ball, but the pitch here doesn’t allow you to play lovely football and all it does for them is send bodies forward to stick it on us.”

Jon Shaw’s post-match assessment of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Peterborough Sports

OPPOSITION

The Nash kept their playoff push alive in their last outing as they defeated Banbury United 4-1 at home on Saturday.

Curzon Ashton currently sit ninth in the National League North, level on points with Alfreton Town with 64 points, who host the final spot of the playoff places.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

After their 4-1 victory over Banbury, Jack Salked said: “I’m really pleased and like you say we bounced back with a win after a couple of tough results at home.

“But you know this week in training we hit the reset button, we’ve not really trained apart from Tuesday and Thursday, but it was nice to change a few things, speak to the lads and hit that reset button.

“And I think we’ve shown that today on the pitch, with what we’ve worked on all week.”

Jack Salkeld’s post-match assessment of Saturday’s 4-1 win over Banbury United

LAST TIME WE MET

The two met at Tameside stadium in November as the Nash would emerge 3-1 winners as JJ Hooper’s 90th-minute strike was a mere consolation.

At Croft Park last April, the Spartans should have won the game, but a Devon Matthews equaliser in the 91st minute allowed the game to finish 2-2.

MEDIA COVERAGE

You can follow all of the action on Friday afternoon via our social media platforms and BlythLive on Mixlr from 2:45 pm.

Posted by Ben Lightfoot