Whythenshawe FC v Blyth Spartans Preview

Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026

Stadium: Hollyhedge Park Community Stadium, M22 4US

Time: 2:00pm KO

Ticket Prices: £10 for adults, £6 for concessions, £2 for U16s.

Blyth Spartans FA Cup run may have ended last Saturday in Redcar but they return to FA Trophy action this weekend as they face Manchester based Whythenshawe FC.

Spartans fell to a single goal defeat against Northern League Division One side Redcar Town in last week's FA Cup First Round Qualifying fixture after falling behind inside the opening three minutes.

It was the first time this season that Blyth hadn't scored in 90 minutes and it was another defeat away from Croft Park but they have another opportunity to bounce back this Saturday.

The Opposition: Whythenshawe FC

Whythenshawe, also known as The Ammies, play Step 4 football in the Northern Premier League West Division the same as Spartans opponents 1874 Northwich in the previous round.

The Ammies have started the season in strong form, they currently sit sixth in the league after picking up 11 points from their opening six league games.

Whythenshawe were also dumped out of the FA Cup last weekend, they were handed an 8-0 defeat by Bury so both sides will be playing with purpose looking for a reaction and progression which will make for an interesting encounter.

From The Dugout: James Kinsey

James Kinsey is the current Ammies manager after his second appointment in April 2025.

Kinsey managed Stalybridge Celtic in 2023 in what was a difficult period for the club he had guided them to fourth place before parting ways and joining the backroom staff at Hednesford Town.

James was originally appointed manager of Whythenshawe in January 2025 replacing Shane Goldrick, however the young manager had a change of heart and left his position before rejoining months later and leading The Ammies to promotion back into Step 4.

Media Coverage:

You can follow all of the action on Saturday afternoon via our social media platforms and BlythLive on Mixlr from 1:50pm.