BY Russell Wynn
Blyth Spartans welcome Hereford to the North East on Saturday looking to make it three games unbeaten in the National League North.
Michael Nelson’s men left it late on Tuesday night against Farsley, but a dominant second-half performance and a last gasp goal from Paul Blackett earned the point.
The visitors themselves return to match action after a two-week absence due to Covid-19.
INJURY NEWS
On the injury front, Kris Thackray and Kieran Charlton will face late fitness tests ahead of the game, with right-back Rhys Evans and goalkeeper Brendan Pearson both coming back into contention. Olly Scott and Liam Agnew remain sidelined.
THE OPPOSITION
Hereford have played four less games than Spartans, and currently sit 18th and a point worse off than ourselves.
Their last game saw them go down 2-0 at home to Bradford (Park Avenue) in late October.
Prior to that, they won 1-0 away at Guiseley, with Lennel John-Lewis grabbing the goal.
WHAT WE’RE SAYING
Blyth boss Michael Nelson spoke after the 1-1 draw with Farsley and said: “I’m I was really pleased with the second half and we created a number of chances.
“We have a hungry group of lads, who are starting to come together. They aren’t there yet. I would rather finish a game like that going into Saturday, rather than hanging on.”
Michael Cain added: “If we can stay unbeaten, push on to Saturday and keep the momentum, hopefully get the win, if not stay unbeaten by keeping it tight at the back, and hopefully move on up the table.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Former Hereford hairman Andrew Graham spoke of his frustration at the recent Covid postponements earlier in the month.
He said: “As frustrating as this is to have this happen and at such a late hour before a match, it is impossible to predict when someone is going to start to feel unwell.”
“As soon as we were made aware, our priority was that the correct procedure was followed to ensure the safety and welfare, of staff and players, of both our own Club and the host Club.”
LAST TIME WE MET
Blyth succumbed to a 24th minute Mike Symons goal as we lost the early season encounter 1-0 at Croft Park, despite having some of the better of the play last August.
The return fixture at Edgar Street fell victim to the Covid-19 lockdown suspension scheduled for mid-April.
MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
For just £1, you can read:
- The gaffer’s pre-match thoughts
- What happened on this day
- Spartans All Around the World
- Getting to know you: Goalkeeping coach Ian Aitken
- Plus much, much more!
Programmes are available via our online club shop.
50/50 HALF-TIME DRAW
Supporters wishing to take part must do the following:
- Transfer £1 for each entry to the Club’s bank account. (Sort code: 30-95-76. Account No: 01912440)
- Enter 50/50 as the reference.
We will accept entries up to the referee’s half-time whistle.
The draw will be made at half time and announced during the second half of the match. It will also be posted on the website and social media.
The cash prize will be made by bank transfer.
LIVE STREAMING
Streaming passes are priced at £8. To watch, all you need to do is register with Insight4 – if you haven’t done so already – and purchase the game via the link below:
https://streaming.insightfour.com/stream/NG52WWpZ
Once purchased, you must visit the same link in order to access the game. If you already created an account, please sign in with your username and password.
Our live coverage gets underway 15 minutes before kick-off as we build up the game, which begins at 3pm. Commentary comes from Blyth Live’s Kieran Carr and Phil Castiaux.