Blyth Spartans vs Birmingham City - Match Preview

FA CUP THIRD ROUND

Venue: Croft Park, Blyth (NE24 3JE)
Date: Saturday 3rd January 2015
Kick Off: 15:00

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ADMISSION

Ticket Entry Only
*Game is officially SOLD OUT

TEAM NEWS

2014 has been a positive and exciting time for Blyth Spartans and with the turn of the year comes the club's biggest game in recent history as we host SkyBet Championship side Birmingham City. The game has been confirmed as a sell-out and there will be a large media presence at Croft Park.

The two teams who are currently in good form in their respective leagues and a tough encounter is expected. Blyth currently boast a record of 4 defeats in twenty four fixtures, whilst the visitors are currently on the up after the appointment of new boss Gary Rowett, following the dismissal of Wallsend based Lee Clark.

Blyth rested a couple of players at their league fixture at Whitby Town on Sunday and gave the likes of Neal Hooks and Dan Hawkins a run out in the starting eleven. Both Dan Maguire and Stephen Turnbull did make appearances so they will be fresh for the cup game. There are no injury concerns to be reported and although Alex Nicholson did go off with a dead leg against The Seasiders he is expected to be fit.

Birmingham City, being the professional club may choose to rest a few of their first choice players but that decision is in the hands of manager Rowett.

IN THE AWAY DUG OUT

Gary Rowett - Joined Birmingham City from Burton Albion in September 2014 and has led City out of the relegation area in the Championship.

DANGER MAN

Clayton Donaldson - Birmingham's top league goalscorer with seven goals, including a brace against Nottingham Forest on the 28th December.

LAST TIME WE MET

N/A

RECORD AGAINST OPPOSITION

Played - 0
Won - 0
Lost - 0
Drew - 0

Scored - 0
Conceded - 0

MUTUAL FRIENDS

John Connolly
John Cornforth

OFFICIALS

Referee: Mike Jones
Assistants: Adrian Holmes and Kevin Mulraine
Fourth Official: Ross Joyce