Blyth Spartans
Fowler 81'
1
Blyth Town
Johnson 27' & Buddle 56'
2
Thursday 1 January 2026 1:30PM
League
Attendance: 1424
Blyth Spartans v Blyth Town | Thursday, 1 January 2026 - 13:30 | League
Matchday Information
You can buy tickets with cash or card at the gate on the day or online here. All ticket information is as follows:
- Adults - £12
- Concessions - £7
- Under-10s are admitted for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Blyth Spartans look to kick off the new year on the front foot as they welcome Blyth Town to Croft Park in the NPL East.
Spartans last game on Boxing Day against Ashington saw Marc Nash claim his first victory in the dugout, a much needed win as we look to climb out of the relegation zone.
Jack Foalle scored the only goal of the game in first half stoppage time making it two goals in two games, further proving to play a pivotal role in attempting to reignite Spartans' season since joining from Hebburn Town.
The Hosts: Blyth Spartans
Blyth Spartans picked up their first league victory and clean sheet on Boxing Day for the first time since October.
The signs have been there for the Spartans, their performances have been much improved since Marc Nash took the reins and they were finally able to get over the line and claim three crucial points.
Spartans now have to turn their attention to the new year and attempt to win consecutive matches, something they have been unable to do so far this season.
The Opposition: Blyth Town
Blyth Town are also struggling in the NPL East replacing Spartans at the foot of the table after Spartans' victory on Boxing Day.
Blyth Town have lost three games in a row in the league and have been struggling for goals in recent weeks.
However, with everything to play for they will also be looking to kickstart the new year on a high, they will look to claim a similar victory like the Northumberland Senior Cup game which was played out between the sides earlier this season.
What's at stake:
Both sides remain in the relegation zone with Spartans now sat just above Blyth Town who prop up the table.
For Blyth Town they will look to frustrate and disrupt Spartans momentum, they have previously beaten Blyth Spartans this season when they knocked them out of the Northumberland Senior cup 2-0 at Gateway Park in a game which was rearranged due to floodlight issues. Blyth Town will be desperate to get their season back on track and look to claim a huge away win against their local rivals after a poor run of games in recent weeks.
For Blyth Spartans they will be looking to claim back-to-back wins in the NPL East and look to claim revenge for the earlier result against Blyth Town this season, Spartans have shown in recent weeks they have the quality within the squad to compete against any team in the league and with a tough run of games coming up at the beginning of the new year they can take confidence into each game as they fight to keep their place in the division for next season. Jack Foalle could make it three goals in three consecutive games if he is to get his name on the scoresheet against Blyth Town, he has created a healthy partnership with fellow striker Michael Fowler with the two combining against Ashington to score the only goal in that game.
Team News
The Gibraltarians remain unavailable for selection due to being back in Gibraltar over the festive break.
Andy Evans returns from suspension, and Jordan Summerly is okay to play despite coming off with a knock at Ashington.
Last Time Out: Blyth Town 2-0 Blyth Spartans
In a game that was rearranged due to floodlight issues it was Blyth Town who took the bragging rights after knocking Spartans out of the Northumberland Senior Cup.
Two penalties in each half were converted by Cameron Gascoigne separating the two sides back in October.
Blyth Town started the game on the front foot immediately pinning Spartans in their own half and not allowing them to break out, after taking the lead through the first penalty they forced Callum Dobson into action a further three times but all were prevented comfortably before a low effort was smashed into the post.
Spartans attempted to get back into the game in the second half with their best chance falling to Euan Potts, now playing for Blyth Town, he failed to convert into an open goal from close range to draw Spartans level.
However, it was Blyth Town who ended on top after another penalty was awarded five minutes before the end of the 90' and converted calmly by Gascoigne confirming a disappointing defeat for Spartans and one that they must put right on New Years Day.
Media Coverage:
You can follow all of the action on Thursday afternoon via our social media platforms and BlythLive on Mixlr from 1:20pm.
The Programme
The new addition of 'The Spartan' will be available around the ground tomorrow evening.
In this edition Phil Castiaux sat down with club medic Graeme Scott, diving into the background of his role on match days and the build up to them.
Another version of the 'Junior Spartans' quiz will be available for our young fans to tackle.
The 'Croft Park Chronicles' discusses Blyth Spartans' record win and the events that took place throughout that remarkable game.
Remember to pick up your copy for £3 available to purchase at the turnstiles, Supporters Trust Store, and inside the Spartans Club House on match days.
Supporter Information:
Tickets can be paid for on the gate however we would strongly advise you to purchase your tickets online in advance due to a large crowd being expected at Croft Park, there will also be no segregation in the ground so supporters are free to stand wherever they like.
The club shop will be open from 12pm with the viz shirts still available after being restocked in large and XL sizes; you can also purchase shirts online here to avoid missing out.
The social club will also be open from 10:30am offering a wide range of well-priced alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. There is also an offer around the ground of 3 red stripe cans for £10.
The 'Shield and Skillet' and clubhouse cafe both open from 12pm serving food well before kick off, with their updated menu on offer.
Written by Jack Lisle