Blyth Spartans v Redcar Athletic | Saturday, 9 August 2025 - 15:00 | League

Date: Saturday, 9 August 2025

Stadium: Croft Park

Time: 3:00pm KO

Ticket Prices: £12 for adults, £7 for concessions, blue light holders, 11-16 years & students and £0 for 10 and under.

Blyth Spartans kick off their Northern Premier League East Division campaign as they welcome Redcar Athletic to Croft Park.

Colin Myers' side endured a huge summer rebuild alongside some challenging friendly clashes against sides including Darlington, Morpeth Town and Gateshead.

With defeat in their final pre-season clash with Whitby Town, the Spartans will be determined to get their league campaign off to a strong start on home soil.

The Opposition: Redcar Athletic

Redcar Athletic was established in 1993 as Teesside Athletic before changing their name in 2010.

Initially playing in the Teesside League, Redcar joined the Wearside League and claimed their first championship in 2018 as they secured promotion to Division Two of the Northern League.

Redcar won promotion to Division One in 2021 based on their results in the abandoned 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.

The Steelmen arrive in the Northern Premier League East Division riding high after being crowned as Ebac Northern League champions last term.

With momentum on their side, Redcar will be keen to make a big splash.

One to Watch

While playing in a higher division this time around, Redcar will be hoping that their prolific attack can see them shine once again.

Crowned champions last term, the Steelmen scored a staggering 110 goals in the Northern League as they finished the season on 94 points.

Adam Boyes, Oscar Fletcher and Mark Anderson all contributed big numbers with 19, 19 and 15 goals respectively, with all three set to line up this term.

Bradley Fewster will be the man to watch though.

The 29-year-old - who started his career in Middlesbrough's academy - scored 22 goals last term to help Redcar to promotion.

Having represented the Spartans in 2018/19, fans at Croft Park will be aware of what he can undoubtedly offer at this level.

Redcar also conceded just 22 goals last term, meaning that they could provide a stubborn test.

From the Dugout

Redcar will be led by award-winning manager Carl Jarrett at Croft Park.

Appointed as boss in January 2024, Jarrett has enjoyed huge success with the Steelmen after being crowned Ebac Northern League's Manager of the Season during their title-winning campaign.

Since taking charge, Jarrett has won a staggering 60 per cent of his games in charge, establishing himself as one of non-league football's most renowned bosses.

Penning a new deal at the end of last season, he'll be hoping to continue his impressive record in the Northern Premier League East Division this term.