First five pre-season fixtures announced

Familiar faces and old friends play a key role in the opening five fixtures of Blyth Spartans' pre-season schedule.

Tuesday 7th July will see Tom Wade's side welcome former player Nathan Buddle and his Carlisle United team mates to Croft Park as the SkyBet League Two side get Spartans preparations for the new season underway.

A week later another hero of last season's FA Cup run will return to Northumberland as Jarrett Rivers' Blackpool come calling on Tuesday 14th July.

Both kick offs are set for 7.30pm

The first Saturday fixture of pre-season sees Spartans travel to Woodhorn Lane to take on EBAC Northern League side Ashington on 18th July for a 3pm kick off and three days later they face a trip to the Colliers' league rivals Newcastle Benfield, who should have former Spartan Paul Brayson in their lineup.

Then on Saturday 25th July we welcome the Edinburgh Spartans to Croft Park for a 3pm kick off.

The club expect to announce at least two more pre-season fixtures to take place before we get our Evo-Stik Northern Premier League campaign underway on Saturday 15th August.

The schedule so far is:
Tuesday 7th July Carlisle United (h) 7.30pm
Tuesday 14th July Blackpool (h) 7.30pm
Saturday 18th July Ashington (a) 3pm
Tuesday 21st July Newcastle Benfield (a) 7.30pm
Saturday 25th July Spartans FC (h) 3pm