By Ben Lightfoot
Blyth Spartans travel to The Brewery Field on New Year’s Day as they face North East rivals Spennymoor Town.
The sides face each other for the second game running over the Christmas period after the Spartans suffered defeat at Croft Park.
TICKET INFORMATION
All ticket information for New Year’s Day fixture can be viewed here.
TEAM NEWS
There are no fresh injury concerns, but Spartans remain without Nathan Buddle and Lewis McNall, wth the fitness of Rhys Evans, Jack Bodenham, Alex Nicholson and Michael Liddle. Jordan Hickey serves the last of his three match suspension.
OPPOSITION
After defeating Blyth on Boxing Day, The Moors now sit 15th in the National League North on 27 points.
Jason Ainley’s side has won their two league games in a row, a 3-1 win over Blyth and a 3-2 win at home to Boston on December 6th.
WHAT WE’RE SAYING
After defeat over North East rivals, Spennymoor, Graham Fenton said: “Disappointing massively, not good enough in large parts of the game, look vulnerable to too many counter-attacks, got bullied at times, outworked at times, yeah just a really poor performance on the whole.
“Little bright sparks, Toby Lees general performance, Will McGowan, Issac Walker when he came on, but ultimately we had half of the team not functioned properly today and you’re not going to be successful when that happens.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Following their victory at Croft Park, Spennymoor’s First Team Coach Lewis Dickman said: “Yeah I’m delighted, really really good performance, much needed, I think the players as a squad and as a whole have dug in really well.”
“We’ve played some good football, took our chances, which is exciting and positive but delighted with everyone in that dressing room and everyone associated with this football club.”
LAST TIME WE MET
Spartans faced Spennymoor at Croft Park on Boxing Day in a 3-1 defeat after Issac Walker scored his first goal for Blyth.
Previously, the two teams last met at the Brewery Field on Easter Monday earlier this year, with Blyth falling to a 3-0 defeat.
The sides last met at Croft Park in the festive period last year, with Spartans enjoying a 3-1 win. On that day JJ O’Donnell scored early in the second-half before Moors levelled soon after the break, but goals from Toby Lees and Connor Thomson restored Blyth’s lead and secured an important three points.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Unfortunately there’ll be no Blyth Live, however, you can follow the game via our social media platforms.