Darlington vs Blyth Spartans - Match Preview

FA CUP - 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND

Venue: Heritage Park, Bishop Auckland (DL14 9AE)
Date: Sunday 14th September 2014
Kick Off: 15:00

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ADMISSION

£9 - Adults
£6 - Concessions
£4 - Children

TEAM NEWS

A much needed break away from the league this weekend for Spartans as we see the first fixture in the FA Cup, which sees us travel down to Bishop Auckland's ground, to face Darlington. With Auckland playing their home tie on the Saturday, our fixture was pushed to the Sunday as a result. Spartans will be hoping to go one better than last year, after going out to AFC Fylde at Croft Park at the first hurdle. This is going to be another tough test for Blyth this weekend, They'll have to be on their top form.

Midweek's fixture at Skelmersdale saw Dan Maguire rested with a sore back but should be back in the line-up. Alex Nicholson was shown a red card on Tuesday night, but his ban will only carry into the league, so he should be available for selection. Midfielder Ben Sayer got some game time, after coming on as a substitute on Tuesday night, so he'll be hoping for a nod ahead of what is almost guaranteed going to be a thrilling encounter.

DIRECTIONS

- Head south on the A1 until you reach the Spennymoor/Bishop Auckland/Peterlee turn off (A177/A688)
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit up the A688
- Drive 1.6 miles, approach the roundabout and take the 2nd exit, continuing the A688
- Drive 8.3 miles through Spennymoor and into the centre of Bishop Auckland
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Fylands Drive
- Drive straight over one roundabout, at the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit and the ground should be ahead.

IN THE AWAY DUG OUT

Martin Grey - Has been in charge of the club since last summer. He is an ex-Sunderland and Oxford United player.

DANGER MAN

Graeme Armstrong - prolific goalscorer for Whitby Town last season and has continued to score after dropping down a division to Darlo.

LAST TIME WE MET

Darlington 5-1 Blyth Spartans

- Doodson Sports Cup

RECORD AGAINST OPPOSITION

Played - 1
Won - 0
Lost - 1
Drew - 0

Scored - 1
Conceded - 5

MUTUAL FRIENDS

Mark Bell
Gary Brown
Alan White
Harry Dunn
Craig Turns
Chris Emms
Shaun Reay
Jack Norton
Stephen Harrison
Carl Jones
Paul Robinson
Graeme Armstrong

OFFICIALS

Referee: Michael McDonough
Assistants: Matthew East and Anthony Stelmach