Blyth Spartans v Bishop Auckland | Saturday, 22 November 2025 - 15:00 | League

The Hosts

Despite a spirited performance, Spartans were defeated 1-0 in their last NPL East match against Lincoln United.

Falling behind minutes after the restart, Marc Nash's side saw a lot of the ball and had many chances to level the game in the second half, but were unable to convert.

It makes it back-to-back 1-0 defeats for Spartans, which makes Saturday's clash another game where performances must be converted to points in a bid to survive relegation from the NPL East.

The Opposition

Bishop Auckland, known as the Two Blues, make the trip to Croft Park having also struggled for form in recent weeks, picking up just one win in their last six games in the NPL East.

Despite that, they have shown their quality within the squad across this season, beating Redcar Athletic and Pontefract Collieries, which they will be looking to replicate when they visit Spartans on Saturday afternoon

With pace in their squad, the visitors will be a dangerous side on the break; however, similar to Spartans, the clinical edge has been holding them back in recent weeks, which has resulted in them dropping into the bottom four.

What's at stake

The picture hasn't changed for Spartans; another defeat sees them remain in the bottom four and desperate to start putting points on the board.

A huge clash at the wrong end of the table for both sides means three points are essential in this game, a chance for Spartans to close the gap and a chance for the Two Blues to push away from the threat of relegation.

Both teams have struggled to find the back of the net in recent weeks, so the first goal in this game could be crucial and might be the decider in this six-pointer at Croft Park.

One to Watch: Luca Nelson

The powerful and versatile forward previously spent time in the youth setup at Sunderland AFC and Doncaster Rovers; however, more recently, he has represented Tadcaster Albion, Billingham Town, Thornaby and Chester-Le-Street Town.

Recently signing for the Two Blues, he made his debut in a 2-0 defeat to Bridlington Town in midweek, but despite the result, the performance was positive from Nelson as he looks to have a positive impact on Bishop Auckland's season.

After their recent struggles in front of goal, the visitors will be hoping that their new signing can guide them to crucial victories in their bid to survive relegation from the NPL East this season.

Team News

Two signings have been brought in this week: experienced forward Jack Foalle and commanding midfielder Paul Van Zandvliet.

Joining Spartans from NPL Premier Division side Hebburn Town, Foalle will be looking to have a positive impact on the season and contribute alongside our other attacking options.

Van Zandvliet joins Spartans from Bishop Auckland with a wealth of experience at this level, adding steel and an aerial threat to the centre of the park.

Media Coverage

You can follow all of the action on Saturday afternoon via our social media platforms and BlythLive on Mixlr from 2:50 pm.

The Programme: The Spartan

The new addition of 'The Spartan' will be available around the ground tomorrow afternoon.

Featuring Marc Nash's Managers column.

A special interview with Gibraltar international Jesse Gomez.

A write-up on Alan Shoulder, who played for both Blyth Spartans and Bishop Auckland.

And Phil Castiaux sits down with the Bishop Auckland chairman for an interview.

Supporter Information

The club store will be open from 1:30 pm for those of you who are still looking to get your hands on the relaunched Viz shirts. Please note that some sizes will already be sold out by Saturday, so it's advised that you purchase one online here to avoid missing out.

A fresh batch of home shirts has now also arrived to accompany the new batch of away shirts and Christmas jumpers as well.

The Social Club will be open from 12pm as always - offering a wide range of well-priced alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Our new catering container 'Shield and Skillet' will also be serving food well before kick off, with their updated menu on offer.

Prior to the game, the Spartans Trust will be hosting a Christmas Toy Drive in aid of Blyth-based charity Operation Elf, in the Social Club between 12pm and 3pm. If you're able to, please do consider popping in and making a donation.