By Stephen Burton
Blyth Spartans return to FA Cup action this weekend as they travel to face fellow National League North side Guiseley in the Third Qualifying Round.
Michael Nelson’s side endured a nightmare second half away at Chester last Saturday but will look to bounce back at Nethermoor Park.
SUPPORTER INFORMATION
Tickets can be purchased online in advance here or on the day at the turnstiles with payment being by cash only. It is also cash payments inside the ground for programmes, food and drink and 50/50 cash draw tickets.
THE OPPOSITION
Joint-managers Marcus Bignot and Russ O’Neill saw their side progress in the cup thanks to a Second Qualifying Round win away to Northern Premier League West side Colne, with Jordan Thewlis grabbing the winner seven minutes from time.
Overall, Guiseley have endured a difficult start so far this season, winning only two in all competitions. Last time out the Lions fell to a 2-1 defeat away to Boston United in the league with Thewlis again getting on the scoresheet.
WHAT WE’RE SAYING
Speaking ahead of the game, Nelson told BSAFCTV: “We can’t change the defeat at Chester, all we can do is try and learn from it and correct some of the mistakes. We’re focusing on Guiseley now.
“We’ve got a good history in this competition – we speak about that all the time. Guiseley are a good side but hopefully we’ll continue the cup run.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Joint-manager Bignot said: “It is massive for us, as well as the romance of it, the opportunity for the players to make names for themselves and the football club to put themselves on the map, financially the deeper you go the greater the rewards.
“It will be a very difficult tie against a very good team in Blyth but the last two weeks we have turned a corner massively as you are seeing us on the ball more often.”
LAST TIME WE MET
The sides last met in October 2020 in National League North when Spartans fell to a 4-0 defeat at Nethermoor Park.
In the last four meetings between the sides there have been two wins apiece, with Blyth’s last successes coming in the 2018-19 when Spartans completed the double over the West Yorkshire side – winning 2-0 at Croft Park and running out 3-1 winners in the away fixture.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Join Phil Castiaux and Jordan Cronin on Blyth Live from 2:45pm. You can also follow the game via social media.