Blyth Spartans v Grimsby Borough | Saturday, 17 January 2026 - 15:00 | League

Matchday Information

• Adults - £12
• Concessions (over 65, 11-16 years & Students) - £7
• Under-10s are free

Get your tickets for tomorrow's game here

Blyth Spartans return to Croft Park for NPL East action as they welcome Grimsby Borough to Northumberland.

Spartans were victorious in midweek when they travelled to Bridlington, cruising to a 4-1 win. They now find themselves within touching distance of safety from the relegation zone.

A first-half double from Jack Foalle handed Blyth the advantage at half-time. The lead was extended in the second half by Rio Joisce, claiming his first goal back in Spartans colours, and Michael Fowler rounded off the perfect evening by converting a late penalty.

The Hosts: Blyth Spartans

Blyth have picked up two wins in their last three matches, both of which have come on the road. They seem to have started turning good performances into victories, which is something they have struggled with for large parts of the season.

With the gap to safety now closed to four points, the Spartans must build on Tuesday night's victory and chain victories together with the aim of tackling the inconsistency which has haunted them this season.

Jack Foalle took his Spartans tally to four goals this season after his first-half double against Bridlington, with Michael Fowler also claiming his third goal of the season for Blyth. Positive cameos off the bench from Rio Joisce and Noah Millington will no doubt give manager Marc Nash lots to consider ahead of his team selection for Saturday afternoon's clash at Croft Park.

The Visitors: Grimsby Borough

The visitors sit 11th in the NPL East, and have not played a league fixture since their goalless draw at home to North Ferriby on New Year's Day.

Grimsby have struggled for consistency over the Christmas period, picking up seven points from their last six outings. The two victories they have managed in that period have been on the road.

Grimsby can look to utilise their current away form against Spartans poor home form when they head to Croft Park as they search for a similar result to the earlier match that was played out between the two sides this season.

What's at Stake

Another victory for Spartans could see them close the gap to safety to just a single point depending on other results on Saturday afternoon, but for them to achieve that, they will have to be victorious in front of their home support, something which they have not managed in their last six matches at Croft Park.

With the new signings brought into the squad finally starting to gel, Spartans have been able to turn good performances into points on the board, which appears to have started their fightback against relegation. The big task for Blyth now is to show consistency. They still have not managed to win back-to-back games throughout this season, but they have an opportunity to put that right in Saturday's clash.

As for the opposition, Grimsby Borough have also picked up most of their points on their travels this season and have only lost one in their last five matches on the road. A victory for the visitors could see them move as high as 9th, depending on other results.

However, a recent issue for them has been their struggles defensively; they have conceded 16 goals in their last six games, which has been a key part of their inconsistency. With the Spartans' frontline picking up form over the Christmas period, the visitors will need to be wary of their threat and impose some defensive solidity if they are to take points away from the Northumberland outfit.

Last Time Out: Grimsby Borough 1-0 Blyth Spartans

Early October was the last time both of these sides met in the NPL East. Storm Amy was in full flow with high wind speeds affecting both sides' ability to create chances.

In the first half, Blyth were shooting against the wind, which really affected their ability to create chances and maintain possession, which allowed Grimsby to press them high and enjoy lots of the ball in the final third.

This paid dividends for the hosts when they took advantage. A long floated ball caught the Spartans' defence off guard and presented forward Charlie Burden-Whittleton with a one-on-one against Callum Dobson, which he calmly converted in the 25th minute.

Half Time: Grimsby Borough 1-0 Blyth Spartans

After the restart, Spartans gained confidence with the wind behind them and managed to pin Grimsby into their own half, creating half-chances and threatening to level the game.

A long throw was then launched into the box by Spartans full back Jake Dobinson, which was excellently controlled by Arran Wearmouth but lacked the finishing touch as the Grimsby goalkeeper smothered the ball.

Spartans flooded the box and were intent on whipping crosses, which caused problems for the home side, but a lack of conversion meant Blyth were still chasing the game, searching for an equaliser.

The closest Blyth came was through Dan Maw, who managed to bring the ball down on the edge of the box and fire a vicious strike towards goal, but his effort came crashing down off the bar, and Grimsby Borough claimed all three points on a disappointing afternoon for Spartans.

Full Time: Grimsby Borough 1-0 Blyth Spartans

Team News

There are no suspensions or injuries within the squad as defender Charlie Stirland is set to return after suffering a shoulder injury against Bradford (Park Avenue) in early December, meaning Marc Nash has a full squad at his disposal for Saturday's match at Croft Park.

Media Coverage

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

Supporter Information

On Saturday, Blyth Spartans will be hosting a collection for Blyth Foodbank between 12-3pm.

Blyth Foodbank plays a vital role in the local community, supporting those in need throughout the local area. The foodbank not only supports people in Blyth, but also Seaton Sluice, Seaton Delaval and the surrounding areas as well.

At this time of year, Blyth Foodbank will need tinned meats, fruits, potatoes, carrots, hot dogs, tuna, veg, and rice pudding, as well as jars/packets of pasta, rice, instant mash biscuits and custard. Cereals, marmalade, coffee, tea bags, jam and toiletries will also be appreciated, as well as strong carrier bags.

For more information, click here