Match Preview | Spartans host Seasiders in FA Trophy
Friday, 23 November 2018
Buildbase Fa Trophy Third Qualifying Round
Venue: Croft Park, Plessey Road, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 3JE
Date: Saturday 24th November 2018
Kick Off: 3.00pm
CLUBHOUSE WILL BE CLOSED AFTER THE GAME DUE TO A FUNCTION BUT WILL BE OPEN PRE-GAME AND AT HALF-TIME
SCORE UPDATES / MATCH COMMENTARY
ADMISSION
Adults - £12 (£2 extra for the Port of Blyth stand)
Concessions - £7 (£2 extra for the Port of Blyth stand)
Under 16's - FREE (£2 extra for the Port of Blyth stand)
By Stuart Dick
It's a break from league action for Blyth Spartans as they host Evo-Stik East side Marske United in the third qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Trophy. After securing two victories in four days at Croft Park this week, Alun Armstrong will be keen to build the momentum against our North East opponents.
The Opposition:
Current Northern League champions Marske United have started life at Step 4 rather well, they reside in 5th place in the Evo Stik East table, 11 point behind leader Morpeth Town who were promoted with them last season.
In the league Marske have played 14, won seven, drawn four and lost just three games and will be confident ahead of the weekend's matchup.
The tale of the tape:
This will be the first meeting between the two sides in any competition and should be an exciting occasion at Croft Park.
The visitors do have pedigree in FA competition. Last season they reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase before being knocked out in two-legs by fellow Northern League side Stockton Town - who went on to lose in the final.
The Seasiders defeated Tamworth 2-0 on Saturday to earn a place in the next round and to be named TalkSport2's Team of the Week.
Curtis Round opened the scoring after just 22 seconds before James Fairley sealed the win..
Spartans are the highest team Marske have faced since Southport in 2013.
The Manager:
Carl Jarrett is the man in charge of the visitors this weekend and has an excellent resume from his time at Marske United. He's won the Northern League Division One twice including last season's promotion, and he's guided Marske to a League Cup victory and a FA Vase semi-final.
Prior to joining Marske United, Jarrett managed Northern League Division Two side Billingham Town.
The Key Man:
Jamie Owens is a prolific striker who has scored seven goals so far this term for the Seasiders. In total Owens has scored 81 goals in 133 appearances from Marske, so Spartans will have to be wary of his talents this weekend.
Spartans Team News and Milestones:
Jamie Holmes and Alex Nicholson are back in contention after missing the last few games, and Nathan Buddle returns from his concussion
Robert Dale is three goals away from 200 for Blyth Spartans.
Damen Mullen is now three games away from 200 for Blyth Spartans.
Peter Jameson and Sean Reid are the only two players to have played in all 22 games this season.