Campion v Blyth Spartans | Saturday, 31 August 2024 - 15:00 | FA Cup

On Saturday afternoon we begin our Emirates FA Cup campaign in the First Qualifying Round as we travel to the 1st Glass UK Stadium to face Campion AFC.

The match has been chosen by the BBC to be broadcasted via iPlayer, Red Button and online for a 12:30pm kick-off, this is the first time in nearly 10 years that the Spartans will be broadcasted on UK television. The last time was in the FA Cup Second Round against Hartlepool United on Friday, December 5, 2014.

On Tuesday evening it was announced that the club had parted ways with Nobby Solano and that assistant manager David Stockdale will take charge for Saturday's game as interim manager.

Solano's last act as manager saw a 4-1 defeat on Bank Holiday Monday to local rivals Morpeth Town, Zach Simpson scored his first league goal for the club in the 90th minute.

Matchday Information

You can buy tickets at the gate on the day which is set to be open from 11am. All ticket information is as follows:

• Adults - £6
• Concessions - £6
• Under 16s - Free

Directions to 1st Glass UK Stadium - BD9 5DD from Croft Park - NE24 3JE - 113 miles, 2 hours 37 minutes

Take A189, A19 and Leam Lane/A194 to A194(M) in Tyne and Wear - 16.4 miles - 25 minutes

Follow A1(M) to A59 in North Yorkshire. Take exit 47 from A1(M) - 71.6 miles - 1 hour 8 minutes

Continue on A59. Take A658 to Scotchman Rd in Bradford - 25 miles - 53 minutes and arrive at 1st Glass UK Stadium, 50 Scotchman Road, Bradford, BD9 5DD.

Blyth's Green Army have a bus organised for Saturday's early trip to Campion AFC. The bus will cost £23 for Green Army members and £28 for non-members. More details regarding the bus can be found here.

Team News

Max Storey will be unavailable for an extended period of time following a dislocated elbow and double fracture to his arm against Worksop Town. Harrison Clark will miss out on Saturday's cup tie, while Ryan Donaldson, Lucas Reed and Dan Savage will all be assessed ahead of the game.

What We're Saying

Speaking to Paul Scott about his appointment as interim manager and our upcoming Emirates FA Cup match, David Stockdale said: "I'm honoured to be able to lead the team out.

"The lads have responded well and in tonight's training they've all had smiles on their faces.

"We're looking forward to it. We have gone through the team shape and simplified everything and we hope we know what we're doing.

"Everyone seems confident and the lads seem happy and hopeful the lads can get the team spirit going."

Opposition

Campion AFC are based in the Manningham area of Bradford and they are members of Northern Counties East League Premier Division where they finished second last season, missing out on top spot by nine points. They suffered defeat in the semi-finals of the playoffs to Albion Sports who then lost the final to eventual winners Garforth Town. Campion was promoted from Division One to the Premier Division as champions the year prior.

In the league, they sit 13th with six points, having won their last match on Saturday afternoon, enjoying a 2-1 win away from home.

Campion began their FA Cup campaign on August 3, in the Extra Preliminary Round as they defeated Parkgate 1-0 through a late Aidan Kirby goal in the 84th minute. They then had to face AFC Liverpool in the Preliminary Round on August 18, where they also won 1-0, this time through Nicky Boshell scoring in the 46th minute.

Saturday's FA Cup tie will also be Campion's first-ever live appearance on live television through BBC.

Last Time We Met

This will be the first recorded meeting between the two sides.

Media Coverage

You can follow all of the action on Saturday afternoon via our social media platforms and on BBC via iPlayer, Red Button and online.