Blyth Spartans will face off against Morpeth Town in an all Northumberland battle in the Preliminary Round of this year's Emirates FA Cup.

Spartans held East Yorkshire side Bridlington Town to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night despite being reduced to 10-men early in the second half.

Dan Lanning thundered home another free kick claiming Spartans only goal of the game and their second point in the NPL East division this season.

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
• Veteran Card & Blue Light Holder - £10
• Concessions, 16+ and Students - £8
• Under 16s - £5
• Under-10s are admitted for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
  

The Visitors: Morpeth Town

Morpeth also known as The Highwaymen were relegated from the NPL Premier Division last season but have enjoyed life in the NPL East picking up five points from their opening four fixtures.

Two draws against Pontefract Collieries and Ashington AFC were backed up with a win against West Auckland Town on Tuesday night at Craik Park.

This is the first meeting of two between the sides this month as the sides will clash for the first time in the league on August 31st, a first league meeting between the sides since Spartans' relegation from the NPL Premier in 2024/25.

From The Dugout:

Craig Lynch is the manager for The Highwaymen, he was awarded the permanent role in October 2021 after initially working as the caretaker manager.

The 2024/25 season saw Lynch and The Highwaymen record their highest ever league finish and narrowly miss out on the Northumberland Senior cup losing on penalties to Heaton Stannington.

Lynch has helped Morpeth to a record setting FA Trophy Fifth Round Proper aswell as a record equalling FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round since taking the job on a permanent basis almost five years ago.

Previous Meetings:

Spartans and Morpeth are no strangers to one another, with the two Northumberland sides having met regularly in recent years.

Their most recent competitive meetings came during the 2024/25 Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign.

Morpeth came away from Croft Park with a 4-1 victory in August 2024, before the reverse fixture at Craik Park ended goalless on New Year's Day.

The sides also met during pre-season last summer, with the Highwaymen running out 3-0 winners at Craik Park.

Saturday, however, brings a different proposition entirely with a whole different feel around the Spartans camp and with FA Cup progression on the line.

From the Dressing Room

Spartans head into the tie with several players who know Morpeth particularly well.

Summer signing Rhys Evans spent last season at Craik Park before returning to Croft Park, Spartans talisman Jack Foalle also spent numerous successful years with the Highwaymen before making the switch to Hebburn Town and eventually Spartans. Not to mention Jordan Hickey who arrived from NE61 at the back end of last season.

With local bragging rights and a place in the First Qualifying Round at stake, another big afternoon awaits 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 2:50 pm.