Blyth Spartans host Gloucester City on Saturday afternoon for the Vanarama National League North opening day of the season.
Graham Fenton’s side have won two, lost two and drawn two of their six pre-season friendlies ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
There have been 11 new additions to the squad as Harrison Clark, Finn Cousin-Dawson, JJ Hooper, Jack Bodenham, Lewis Knight, Billy Gordon, Charlie Aitken, Harry Arnison, Michael Hogan and Will McGowan have all committed their services to the Club, while Jon Shaw has come in alongside Fenton as assistant manager and is registered to play when called upon too.
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
Spartans’ most recent new signing Will McGowan could be in contention to make his debut for the Club, while the likes of Alex Mitchell, Rhys Evans, JJ O’Donnell and Nicky Deverdics are available having been absent in recent friendliest respectively.
OPPOSITION
Gloucester City, now managed by former Premier League goalkeeper Tim Flowers, have turned out seven times during their pre-season preparations.
The Tigers finished in seventh position of the National League North last season, securing the final play-off position pipping Scarborough Athletic on goal difference.
However, they were defeated 5-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw with Brackley Town to prevent them from progressing into the semi-final stage to set up a tie against Chester.
Brandon Smalley, Ben Richards-Everton, Sonny Hart and Anton Dworzak on loan from Swindon as well as Kartell Dawkins and Ioan Richards among others are all fresh summer recruits in what shapes up to be a new-look Tigers side under the management of Tim Flowers.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Receive further insights from our opponents by viewing their preview of the fixture.
LAST TIME WE MET
A Dominic McHale quick-fire brace inside 15 minutes gave The Tigers a two-goal advantage before Troy Chiabi and Isaac Walker levelled matters to ensure securing a point on the road in January of last season.
The prior reverse fixture saw Spartans triumph 2-0 in August 2022 courtesy of goals from Lewis McNall and Jordan Hickey at Croft Park.
BLYTH FOODBANK DONATION
An area in the Clubhouse will be taking donations of non-perishable goods for Blyth Foodbank.
If you are able to bring any items it would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance.
MATCHDAY PROGRAMME PREVIEW
Be sure to pick up the second issue of a Spartans programme at Croft Park!
- Pre-season review
- From the archives – a look back at past meetings with Gloucester City
- ‘GET TO KNOW’ – Harrison Clark answers 10 quick-fire questions about himself
MEDIA COVERAGE
You can follow all of the action on Saturday afternoon via our social media platforms.