BY Stephen Burton
Blyth Spartans play their penultimate match of pre-season on Tuesday evening as Newcastle United under-23s make the trip to Croft Park (kick-off 7:30pm).
Michael Nelson’s men will be hoping his side bounce back from a disappointing display at Hebburn Town on Saturday.
Despite Robbie Dale scoring his first goal since coming out of retirement, Spartans fell to a 2-1 defeat The Green Energy Sports Ground.
TICKET INFORMATION
- We ask all supporters to buy tickets in advance via our online system if possible.
- If you do not have online access, you can purchase your ticket by ringing the club office 01670 352373 and paying with a debit or credit card. Your ticket can then be collected from the social club on match day.
- Season ticket holders receive free admission to all pre-season matches. If you have not collected your season ticket yet this can be done at the club office between 9am and 12pm on Thursday or Friday.
- If this is not possible, they will be available for collection from the clubhouse before the game.
- We will operate a cash turnstile for this match at the Kingsway end of the ground. However, if possible, please 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.
THE OPPOSITION
This will also be the Magpies’ penultimate match pre-season as Chris Hogg’s side prepare for their Premier League 2, which kicks off on August 16th.
They’ve had a mixed pre-season so far, with one win and two defeats.
Last time out they lost 4-1 at Blyth’s National League North rivals Gateshead, with Dylan Stephenson netting a consolation for the visitors.
WHAT WE’RE SAYING
Nelson was hugely disappointed with his Spartans side as they failed to kick-on from their impressive win against Hartlepool United last week.
He said: “I think there was a lack of energy today, but I don’t think that was a fitness issue. I said to them at half time that I think it was probably more of a mental issue.
“I think some of them maybe thought that after getting a good result against Hartlepool they could just turn up here and win. But as they’ve found out that’s not the case, you can’t do that at any level.”
However, the gaffer was hopeful he would see a response I the Newcastle clash: “I think it’s good that it’s happened, if we react in the right way.
“It’s certainly a kick up the backside for them, so hopefully they’ll react well and we’ll get a good result in the next game.
“I want a better performance. We’ve been good with the ball in the games we’ve played, especially in the game against Hartlepool.”
THE LAST TIME WE MET
The last meeting between the sides was in February 2019 in the Northumberland Senior Cup.
The young Magpies thrashed an understrength Spartans 7-2 at Whitley Park, with Bradley Fewster scoring a brace as a consolation.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Blyth Live will get underway at 7:15. Alternatively, you can follow the game via our social media channels.
The game will be filmed and edited for highlights to go on BSAFCTV.