FA XI experience for Spartans seven

Seven of Spartans under 23 players made an appearance for the England 'C' Representative squad for the game with a Northern League XI. The game took place in front of a crowd of 305 at Bishop Auckland's Heritage Park ground and was organised to celebrate the league's 125th anniversary.

Six of the seven Spartans players selected in Paul Fairclough's squad were handed starting places. Conor Grant, Lewis Horner, Matthew Wade, Danny Parker, Dan Maguire and Nathan Buddle all started the game with the former Hartlepool United defender Buddle given the honour of captaining the side. Arran Wearmouth started the game as a substitute.

A relatively quiet first half saw neither side really test Grant or Newcastle Benfield keeper Andrew Grainger in the opposition net although former Spartans winger Lee Mason had a goal chalked off for offside for the FA XI. Grant maintained his clean sheet before being replaced at the interval with Whitby Town keeper Shane Bland. Horner and Maguire were also substituted at the break to be replaced by Wearmouth and former Celtic and St Johnstone midfielder Ryan Hutchinson.

During the second half the more experienced Northern League XI took control in midfield with Spennymoor Town midfielder Stephen Capper volleying them in front with a smart finish from just inside the area. Their lead was doubled as Ashington's Andrew Johnson finished a cross from close range to seal the win, however Wearmouth came close to getting one back with a header that hit the cross bar.

England 'C' manager Fairclough commented "I was surprised with the quality on show. That's not to say I didn't think they would be good players but they were so much better than that. The Blyth Spartans players showed real quality and confidence on the ball and I was impressed. They did the club and most importantly themselves proud"

The full squad are pictured below along with Paul Fairclough and his coaching staff