Blyth Spartans turn their attention to the Isuzu FA Trophy as we host Stockton Town in the Third Qualifying Round at Croft Park on Saturday.

The Spartans suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Basford United in their last league, before exiting the Northumberland Senior Cup on Thursday evening to Newcastle University following a 2-1 defeat.

Matchday Information

You can buy tickets with cash or card at the gate on the day or buy online. All ticket information is as follows:

• Adults - £12
• Concessions (over 65) - £7
• 11-16 Years & Students - £5
• Under-10s are admitted for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

To be seated in the Port of Blyth main stand, an extra £2 cost will be incurred for each category.

Team News

Harry Gardiner and Connor Pani are the only injury concerns. Lucas Reed is available to be apart of the squad for the first time since pre-season.

What We're Saying

After our defeat to Basford, David Stockdale said: “It came down to desire, determination and in some cases ability, football intelligence, I could go on, it's shocking.

“I just said it in there, you can have all the ability in the world, but if you don't have the desire, work rate and commitment there's no point even stepping out there.

“I've protected them for too many weeks now when it's quite obvious and I've just said some very harsh truths in there and then I can't stand here and take a team that has not been built by me, if it was my team you have to hold your hands up, I can't protect them anymore because it is obvious that they either don't want to do it for me and the club.”

Opposition

The Anchors were promoted to the NPL Premier Division from the NPL Division One East via the playoffs after finishing second in the league and one point behind champions Hebburn Town. Stockton defeated Carlton Town and Dunston UTS in the playoffs to secure promotion.

Since we last played them, they have drawn 1-1 twice and lost once, they have drawn against Gainsborough Trinity in the league and against Chester FC in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round, before losing to Chetser in the replay tie 1-0.

What They're Saying

After losing their replay match in the FA Cup, Michael Dunwell said: “I'm proud of my players.

“It's frustrating with them going down to 10 men early in the game and I thought we had the better of the first half.

“I thought when we got into the final third, that is what let us down tonight, you know the wrong option, a bit of quality and not getting a hold of the ball up top which probably cost us.”

Last Time We Met

The sides met on September 18, 2024, in the NPL Premier Division as Blyth won 3-0 at the MAP Group UK Stadium thanks to a goal from Billy Gordon and a brace from Dan Savage.

Media Coverage

You can follow all of the action on Saturday afternoon via our social media platforms and BlythLive on Mixlr from 2:45 pm.