VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH
Venue: Croft Park, Plessey Road, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 3JE
Date: Saturday 3rd November 2018
Kick Off: 3:00pm
SCORE UPDATES / MATCH COMMENTARY
Radio Blyth Live
ADMISSION
Adults – £12 (£2 extra for the Port of Blyth stand)
Concessions – £7 (£2 extra for the Port of Blyth stand)
Under 16’s – FREE (£2 extra for the Port of Blyth stand)
Under 10’s must be accompanied by an Adult.
The Blyth branch of the British Legion will be holding a stall and recruiting as well as holding a commemoration ceremony before kick-off.
By Stuart Dick
In a week where Spartans claimed two wins out of two away from Croft Park, Blyth return home for another crucial fixture against F.C. United of Manchester.
Alun Armstrong’s side will be looking to continue the strong league form shown in recent weeks having won three out of their last four, and five out of seven in all competitions.
A positive result this afternoon could see Spartans rise as high at 12th in the Vanarama National League North
The Opposition:
A familiar foe over recent years, the visitors currently sit in the bottom in the National League North table – but are unbeaten in their last three games.
After making their way through the lower leagues since their formation, the Red Rebels have found life tough in the National League North – much like ourselves over the last twelve months.
But they have a large fanbase, a recently built stadium and a fantastic record at Croft Park.
The tale of the tape:
Their record against Blyth will encourage the Red Rebels. Spartans have won just one of the eight meetings between the two sides since they first met in December 2012 – a 3-1 win away from home last season. However, Spartans are unbeaten in their last three against F.C. United, having lost the first five matches between the two.
At Croft Park the Reds have picked up 10 points from a possible 12, a record that Alun Armstrong will be looking to rectify this afternoon.
Spartans have mustered a mere six goals in eight appearances against our visitors this afternoon, conceding eleven.
The Manager:
Neil Reynolds – not the one who presents the NFL on Sky Sports – has recently taken over as manager after Tom Greaves departed earlier in the campaign.
Neil has a full-time job as Headmaster at South Shore Academy in Blackpool. He has a UEFA B coaching badge and puts a strong emphasis on squad fitness, using the latest technology to track progress. Above all, he’s young, hungry and ambitious. Although his task for this season is to keep us up, next season he believes FC United should be challenging for promotion to the National League.
The Key Man:
Striker Kurt Willoughby is one to watch this afternoon as he looks to step up to the National League North level after netting 26 times for Clitheroe in the Evo-Stik Division One last season.
The former Northampton Town man has taken to the task well, netting five times so fat in 12 appearances at this level.
Spartans Team News and Milestones:
Robert Dale is one goal away from surpassing Steven Pyle to earn second place outright on Spartans’ top goalscorer list. He’s also 3 away from 200 goals for Blyth Spartans.