Match Preview | Stockton Town FC (A) | Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division | 2024/25

Blyth Spartans resume NPL Premier Division action on Wednesday evening as we travel to the MAP Group UK Stadium to face Stockton Town.

The Spartans bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup in the Second Qualifying Round on Saturday after a 3-0 defeat to Bury FC at Croft Park.

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 – £11
  • Concessions – £9
  • 11-18 years – £5
  • Child under-11 – £3

Directions to MAP Group UK Stadium – TS19 0QD – from Croft Park – NE24 3JE – 49.2 miles, 1 hour 4 minutes.

Start at Croft Park and get on A189 from Plessey Road then follow B1523 and A106 – 3.6 miles, 8 minutes.

Then take A19, A194(M) and A1(M) to Stockton Road/A177 in County Durham – 38.1 miles, 43 minutes.

Follow A177 then A1027 and arrive at Bishopton Road West, MAP Group UK Stadium, Stockton Town, TS19 0QD.

TEAM NEWS

Greg Halford was substituted off on Saturday and will be assessed ahead to tomorrow’s fixture.

WHAT WE’RE SAYING

After exiting the FA Cup following a 3-0 defeat to Bury FC, David Stockdale said: “I just want to say credit to Bury, they tore us a new one today.

“We looked like scared kids in a playground just starting high school, it’s unacceptable, I’ve told them I will come out and do the press and protect them, but how long are they going to be protected from changes and now they represent me, I’m the one on the chopping block.

“Everything I said in the interview after Workington goes out the window.”

David Stockdale’s post-match assessment of Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Bury FC

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.

This season in the NPL Premier Division they sit 10th in the league standings having won four and lost four of their eight league games this season.

The Anchors won their most recent match as they advanced to the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup after defeating Marine 3-2. They will face National League North side Chester FC in the next round.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

After advancing to the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, Michael Dunwell said: “I’m so proud of the players as I don’t think anyone gave us a chance with the players we had out.

“We had four under-18s on the bench today, two of which came on and finished the game for us.”

Michael Dunwell’s post-match assessment of Saturday’s 3-2 win over Marine

LAST TIME WE MET

The sides last met in a pre-season friendly at Croft Park in August 2021 as the Spartans triumphed a 5-1 victory.

MEDIA COVERAGE

You can follow all of the action on Saturday afternoon via our social media platforms, unfortunately, there will be no BlythLive on Wednesday evening.

Posted by Ben Lightfoot