Preview | AFC Fylde (h) | National League North | 22/23

Blyth Spartans will be searching for a fourth successive league win on Saturday, but will face a tough test as league-leaders AFC Fylde visit Croft Park.

Last time out in the league, Spartans secured their third 1-0 win in a row, as Cedric Main's first-half header continued Blyth's upturn in form.

Ticket Information

• Tickets can be purchased in advance via our online system.
• If you do not have online access, you can purchase your ticket by ringing the club office on 01670 352373 and paying with a debit or credit card. Your ticket can then be collected from the social club on match day.
• We will operate a cash turnstile. However, we strongly encourage you to purchase your ticket in advance.
• Tickets purchased in advance must be printed or stored on your phone. Without proof of ticket, you will not be permitted into Croft Park.
• Advanced tickets can be bought up until 2 pm on a matchday.
• Should you wish to sit in the Port of Blyth Stand, you should purchase in advance.

Clubhouse

We will be collecting donations in the Clubhouse for Blyth Foodbank between 12-3pm. Details on what the Foodbank are needing can be found here.

You can also catch Manchester City vs Newcastle United on the big screen from 12:30pm.

Team News

Spartans will continue to miss long-term absentees Nathan Buddle and Lewis McNall. Cedric Main missed out Wednesday's game due to injury but is expected to return.

The Opposition

AFC Fylde come into the game off the back of a comfortable 3-1 win at home to second-bottom Farsley Celtic on Tuesday night, with Siya Legendza, Connor Barrett and Will Hatfield getting on the scoresheet.

The Coasters currently sit at the summit of National League North, two points ahead of King's Lynn Town who have played a game more.

What We're Saying

Following three wins in a row for the first time since April 2019, Graham Fenton said: "[Delighted] with the result, not with the performance.

But listen, at this stage of the season we're talking about it with the lads we want to do certain things within the game, but by hook or by crook we want to come away with three points and start climbing the table and that's what the lads have done.

So I don't want to pick the bones out of it at the minute other than saying well done to them and the fact they can get on a bus at 8 o'clock this morning and travel. It's an unbelievable effort to do that, to get three points away from home from a team, yes they're at the bottom of the league, but they are fighting and scraping for everything and we had to dig in.

We got lucky today there are no two ways about it with their chance in the first half where Rhys [Evans] had made a little mistake even though he was very, very good today and then the penalty of Alex's [Mitchell] save, so we're delighted with the win, but we got away with it I think."

What They're Saying

Fylde boss Adam Murray, said after his side's win on Tuesday, "It was a tough game, Farsley have been on a good run. I felt first-half we made it a lot easier than we did second half, but every game from now until the end of the season are going to have their moments when the momentum swings.

Apart from watching us, they (Blyth) are my favourite team to watch, they play some really good football. It'll be a tough game Saturday, and one that we'll have to be well prepared for. We need to recover well and make sure we have the energy to go again."

Last Time We Met

The sides last met just over a year ago in February 2022, with Fylde running out 2-0 winners at Croft Park.

It was a tough afternoon as well earlier in the season, as Blyth fell to a 4-1 defeat away at Mill Farm in December.

Media Coverage

Join Blyth Live at 2:45pm for full match commentary.

Alternatively, you can follow the game on our social media channels.