By Ben Lightfoot
On the final day of the 2022/23 Vanarama National League North campaign, Blyth Spartans host Hereford at Croft Park in the ultimate test for survival.
A win is a must for the Spartans to even have a chance at safety. Any two of Blyth Spartans, Bradford (Park Avenue), Farsley Celtic, Kettering Town and Southport (depending on goal difference) can still get relegated, all depending on the scores around the grounds.
The Spartans sadly suffered defeat on Tuesday night at St James’ Park as they were beaten 2-0 by Morpeth Town.
TICKET INFORMATION
- Tickets can be purchased in advance via our online system here.
- If you do not have online access, you can purchase your ticket by ringing the club office on 01670 352373 and paying with a debit or credit card. Your ticket can then be collected from the social club on match day.
- We will operate a cash turnstile. However, we strongly encourage you to purchase your ticket in advance.
- Tickets purchased in advance must be printed or stored on your phone. Without proof of ticket, you will not be permitted into Croft Park.
- Advanced tickets can be bought up until 2pm on a matchday.
- Should you wish to sit in the Port of Blyth Stand, you should purchase in advance.
TEAM NEWS
There are no new injury concerns going into Saturday’s game.
OPPOSITION
Hereford currently sit 16th in the National League North on 55 points, a win on Saturday would push them up to 15th place, depending on Peterborough Sports.
In their last outing, The Bulls faced a goalless draw against Bradford (Park Avenue) and Hereford have won just one of their last nine league matches.
WHAT WE’RE SAYING
Following a defeat at St James’ Park Graham Fenton looked ahead to Saturday’s fixture against Hereford. He said: “The main priority today was to not get any injuries and we’ve done that thankfully.
“We thank them [the fans] for coming down and supporting the team even though they knew it was going to be a weakened team and they just need to come in their numbers and make as much noise and get the lads going.
“Let’s have a real team effort with the players and the crowd together to get a result on Saturday.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
After their draw with Bradford (PA), Yan Klukowski said: “I’m really disappointed with the first 25 minutes, I thought Bradford had more energy, more enthusiasm for the game and we felt we maybe had to change.
“We changed the shape and I thought that really helped the players, we plugged a few more gaps in the wider areas, helped us build into the game and I thought we finished the first half very very strongly.
“We spoke about starting fast at half-time and being more on the front foot, which the boys did and they probably should’ve been one up after 30 seconds and then a whole host of opportunities in the second half which we should be taking.”
LAST TIME WE MET
At the Edgar Street Athletic Ground in September, Blyth was unsuccessful on their travels as Hereford won 3-0 due to goals from Jack Holmes, Ryan McLean and James Caton.
It was unfortunately another defeat for Spartans last season against Hereford at Croft Park too as they were 3-0 down within 30 minutes through Ryan McLean, and Tom Owen-Evans netted twice.
Lewis McNall rescued one back for Blyth just before the break, but Hereford started the second half just like the first with Harry Pinchard scoring making it 4-1 to Hereford.
MEDIA COVERAGE
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