By Ben Lightfoot
Blyth Spartans host Southport on Tuesday night at Croft Park in the National League North.
Last time out, the 10-men Blyth made an incredible comeback to win a point away at the TigerTurf Stadium as they drew 2-2 with Gloucester City.
TICKET INFORMATION
- Tickets can be purchased in advance via our online system.
- If you do not have online access, you can purchase your ticket by ringing the club office on 01670 352373 and paying with a debit or credit card. Your ticket can then be collected from the social club on match day.
- We will operate a cash turnstile. However, we strongly encourage you to 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.
- Advanced tickets can be bought up until 6:45pm on a matchday.
- Should you wish to sit in the Port of Blyth Stand, you should purchase in advance.
TEAM NEWS
Nathan Buddle, Lewis McNall, Alex Nicholson and Michael Liddle remain out injured, as do Rhys Evans and Michael Richardson.
OPPOSITION
The Sandgrounders have only managed to play once since January 7th as three of the last four scheduled games were postponed.
Southport last played in a 2-1 loss at home to AFC Fylde after Nicholas Haugton’s 90th-minute penalty won it for the visitors.
WHAT WE’RE SAYING
Following a tremendous comeback against Gloucester, Graham Fenton said: “The team talk [at halftime] wasn’t going to be negative, we knew it was a mad six, seven, eight minutes, whatever it was in terms of us defending and the referee making a poor decision.
“We were doing okay so it was just the goal at the end of the first half gave us a bit of belief to go and get even more, but it’s one thing saying it at halftime and we obviously got lucky with the penalty and Alex does well to save it at a really vital time.
“But the lads kept plodding away and worked their socks off, staying together, winning their duels and providing a threat at times as well, so nothing but pride in them.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
After another postponed game for Southport, looking ahead to their fixture with Blyth, Liam Watson said: “Yeah that’s what it is about, you just have to get on with it, you show what you are as people and its tough to go to Blyth any midweek.
“So we have to roll our sleeves up and just look and say it has been really, really bad as if we had won today we’d have been back in the playoffs places, it’s a disaster isn’t it.”
LAST TIME WE MET
It was joy for the travelling Spartans at the Pure Stadium last time the sides met as Blyth won 3-2, with goals coming from Patrick Almond, Lewis McNall and JJ O’Donnell.
But when the sides last faced each other at Croft Park, Southport edged a 2-1 victory after two second-half goals from Niall Watson and Josh Hmami.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Join Blyth Live at 7:30pm for full match commentary from Ben Lightfoot and Phil Castiaux.
Alternatively, you can follow the game via our social media platforms.