FC United of Manchester v Blyth Spartans | Saturday, 18 January 2025 - 15:00 | League

Blyth Spartans are finally going to step back onto the grass after 17 days as we travel to Broadhurst Park to face FC United of Manchester.

Our last three games, which were all set to be played at Croft Park, were postponed due to bad weather conditions. Last time out Spartans drew 0-0 with Morpeth Town at Craik Park, to register their first clean sheet since September.

Matchday Information

You can buy tickets at the gate on the day or online here. All ticket information is as follows:

• Adults - £13
• Concessions - £9
• 18-21s - £5
• Under-18s - £3
• Under-5s - Free.

Team News

JJ Hooper and Joe Oliver are both available to return to the squad, whilst Will Constantin will be assessed ahead of Saturday's fixture. Both Harry Gardiner and skipper Nicky Deverdics are still a few weeks away from returning.

What We're Saying

After our draw with Morpeth Town on New Year's Day, manager Michael Connor said: “It's very positive that we've kept a clean sheet. It's been something we've been aiming to do, I think Matty and Paddy at centre-half have gave us that little bit of experience and I think they were both superb.

“It's nowhere near over for us, people might look at the table and think Spartans are down but we feel we have a chance.”

Opposition

In the time that the Spartans last played, FC United have played four league matches, winning once, drawing twice and losing once, leaving them 12th in the NPL Premier Division standings.

In their last outing, Mark Beesley's side drew 1-1 with Gainsborough Trinity on Tuesday evening.

What They're Saying

After a drawing with Gainsborough, Mark Beesley said: "In the first half it looked like we had played four games in 12 days.

"We were lethargic, although they didn't really hurt us apart from a set-piece other than that I don't think there was anything in the game."

"But second half I thought we were excellent. We were on the front foot, we got up the pitch a bit more, we squeezed up, we won the ball higher up, created more chances and to not win it, is a bit gutting in the end."

Last Time We Met

The sides met at Croft Park at the start of December in a 2-2 draw as FC United made a late comeback. The Spartans took a 2-0 lead through Connor Pani and Cyril Giraud, but Jordan Preston and Jay Fitzmartin scored late for The Reds.

Media Coverage

You can follow all of the action on Saturday afternoon via our social media platforms and BlythLive on Mixlr from 2:45 pm.