Blyth Spartans v Hallam | Saturday, 13 December 2025 - 15:00 | League

Matchday Information

Ticket Prices: £12 for adults, £7 for concessions, and under 10s are free. Please note that concession classes will be available to those aged 65 & over, Blue Light Card holders, students, and 11-16 year olds.

Spartans make their return to Croft Park for the first of back-to-back home matches as they host Hallam FC in the Northern Premier League East Division.

Spartans have already faced the Sheffield-based outfit this season, earning a well-earned point on the road despite the conditions on the day being horrendous.

Blyth's last match ended in defeat away at Bradford (Park Avenue), despite taking the lead early in the second half through Michael Fowler; it was another late goal which prevented Blyth from earning what could have been very valuable points on the road.

The Hosts

It has been a tough start to life in the dugout for Marc Nash, desperate to kickstart Blyth's season into life. The performances have been much improved, as shown last Saturday.

However, the Spartans' lack of conversion in front of goal, matched up with defensive errors late on in games, has meant they have little to nothing to show for the efforts being put into the matches from all involved.

Despite that, with their next two matches being at Croft Park, it feels like a perfect opportunity for Spartans to really push on this season and begin the climb away from the relegation zone.

Having already faced Hallam this season, Spartans know it will be a tough game, with the Countrymen being a very physical side. Blyth have to take confidence from last Saturday's performance as a win does not feel far away from this group of players.

The Visitors

The Countrymen head to Northumberland on the back of a well-earned draw against Pontefract Collieries, and have picked up seven points from their last four matches in the NPL East.

They pose a physical threat and are a very compact side, meaning Spartans will need to rely on technical quality to break them down, as well as matching them physically to contain their attacking threat.

Despite Hallam's recent turn in form, they still only sit three points clear of the relegation zone, but may see this as an opportunity to extend their gap from the drop zone and take crucial points back from Northumberland to Yorkshire.

What's at Stake

As we approach the halfway point of this season Spartans remain at the foot of the table, a win on Saturday could see them move off the bottom depending on other results but the main aim for the North East side is to close the gap on those above them ensuring they are not cut adrift from the prospect of surviving relegation and ensuring they claim their first victory under the new management team.

The Countrymen will see this as the perfect game to maintain their improved form, coming to Croft Park against a side whose winless run continues, they also may want to get one over on Spartans after their last clash in the NPL East, Hallam created lots of chances within the game but were unable to convert thanks to a brilliant goalkeeping performance from Callum Dobson ensured Blyth walked away with a point.

Last Time Out: Hallam FC 1-1 Blyth Spartans

The last time these two sides faced each other was back in September, with shocking weather conditions from start to finish.

Blyth started the game as the better side and were rewarded with a goal in the 12th minute. Matty Slocombe laid the ball off on the edge of the box to Benji Shodeinde, whose tame effort nestled into the bottom corner, thanks to a fortunate deflection, handing Spartans the advantage.

Immediately, the hosts responded, putting the Spartans under pressure in an attempt to level the game. Some nice play around the box created three great chances for Hallam, two of which were excellently kept out by Callum Dobson and the other cleared off the line by Paddy McClafferty to ensure Spartans held onto their lead going into half-time.

At the start of the second half, the Spartans still came out looking to add to their lead. They started positively but created very few chances, which allowed Hallam to grow into the game.

The Countrymen were rewarded for their resilience in tough conditions, as a corner was floated in, Spartans failed to deal with it confidently, and in the midst of a goalmouth scrap, it was Brodie Litchfield who poked the ball home, levelling the game with 20 minutes still to play.

The game opened up more after the equaliser meaning chances were created for both sides, but with neither side able to convert the game seemed to be coasting to a draw, however very late on in the second half Harvey Rudd delivered a cross to the back post falling at the feet of Dan Maw whose strike was excellently saved by the Hallam goalkeeper as the points were shared in Sheffield.

Team News

Jack Foalle returns to the squad after his suspension was served against Bradford (Park Avenue) last Saturday.

We are also bolstered with the signings of Paul Dudgeon and Nathan Kidd, who go straight into the squad for tomorrow's game. Dean Briggs will not be in the squad as he has joined Dunston UTS on a one-month loan.

There are no other injury concerns or suspensions within the squad, meaning Marc Nash has a full squad at his disposal.

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.

Included in this will be an extended chronicle on Peter Guthrie.

An interview by Phil Castiaux with former Spartans Chairman Jim Telford in his first interview regarding Spartans since he left the club 30 years ago, reflecting on his time with the club.

Assistant manager shuffle with Anthony Woodhouse, plus all the usual bits that have been included within the programme this season.

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 12 pm 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.

Get your tickets here for tomorrow to back the lads!