By Ben Lightfoot
Blyth Spartans take a break from league action as they face Bedlington Terriers on Tuesday, in the semi-final of the Techflow Marine Senior Cup, where the winner will take on Newcastle United U23 in the final.
Last time out, Terry Mitchell’s side were defeated 2-0 at home to AFC Fylde, which was Spartans third home defeat in succession.
TICKET INFORMATION
Advance tickets can be purchased online or over the phone prior to Tuesday night. To minimize queues, advance tickets will be sold at a discounted rate compared to those available on the night. Full ticket info can be viewed here.
TEAM NEWS
Rhys Evans and Michael Liddle will be assessed after missing the last few games due to injury, as will Connor Thomson. Tuesday will likely be too soon for Alex Mitchell who missed Saturday’s clash with an injury picked up against Southport.
OPPOSITION
Bedlington’s last game out saw a 3-0 defeat away at Jarrow in Division 2 in the Northern Football League, where they currently sit in 16th place.
To reach the semi-final of the Senior Cup the Terriers managed to beat Newcastle University 1-0 in the previous round as Keelan Nilles scored their only goal of the game.
WHAT WE’RE SAYING
Speaking after the defeat to Fylde, Mitchell wasn’t taking any chances ahead of the Bedlington clash. “Our analyst has gone to watch them today, they’re a few leagues below but they have nothing to lose. We are preparing as if we’re playing AFC Fylde again. We’re going out there to win, and we want to give our fans a trip to St James’ Park.
The fans were excellent. I said at half-time, the fans have clapped you off, so go again and give them something more. I think they realised 2-0 was harsh on us, they really were excellent again for us today.”
LAST TIME WE MET
The last competitive fixture between the sides was in the Senior Cup in January 2020, where Blyth defeated Bedlington 2-1 through Robbie Dale grabbing both goals on the day to send Blyth through to the semi-finals.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Unfortunately, there’ll be no Blyth Live available for this game. However, you can follow the match on our social media channels.