Preview | AFC Telford United (a) | National League North | 22/23

Friday, 24 February 2023

By Ben Lightfoot

Blyth Spartans are looking to win their third game in a row as they travel to AFC Telford United, who sit last in the league table.

The Spartans have won their last two National League North fixtures, most recently winning 1-0 away to Bradford (Park Avenue).

Ticket Information

All ticket information for Saturday's trip can be viewed here.

Team News

Spartans remain without Nathan Buddle, Lewis McNall, JJ O'Donnell and Michael Richardson.

Opposition

The Bucks currently sit rock bottom of the National League North, 13 points behind Blyth, who are just one place above them in 23rd.

Telford drew their most recent fixture 1-1 with Leamington after a Dan Meredith own goal rescued Telford a point, leaving them on 20 points after they drew their 11th league game this season.

What We're Saying

Speaking on Blyth's performance after a 1-0 win away at Bradford, Graham Fenton said: "Very good 15 minutes and then scrappy then onwards.

"We just said to the lads we've played much better this season on numerous occasions and got beat, but at this stage of the season who cares, I'm really not bothered.

"I was hoping the game was going to be easy because of the way we started, they got to grips with the game and made it more difficult but in saying that Alex [Mitchell] hasn't had to make a save in the last two games now, so we must be doing something right defensively.

"We're not giving an awful lot of chances away, we are creating really good situations, but we're not finishing them off. We had so many tonight where we actually got 2v1's and we're not even making their keeper work and that's where we have got to be better."

What They're Saying

After a 1-1 draw at home to Leamington, Kevin Wilkin said: "I'm not happy, I don't want to draw games, lose game, I want to win games as that's what it is about.

"Certinally in our predicament we need to be winning these games and when your taking a look at the whole 90 minutes, looking at how poor we were in the first half, credit to the boys as we are in a difficult place at the moment, both league position and in the game getting to half time.

"We were poor first half, I can't make any excuses for that, I have to take accountability for that and it's not easy when your looking at it overall you don't expect a lot more."

Last Time We Met

The Spartans had a comfortable 3-0 win over Telford back in November as a Matty Cornish double and Harry Flowers own goal sealed the three points for Blyth at Croft Park.

At the New Bucks Head Ground, two second half goals from Angelo Capello and Danny Barlow were cancelled out by Melhado's 93rd minute equaliser as the sides drew 2-2 last season.

Media Coverage

Unfortunately there will be no Blyth Live on Saturday.

However, you can follow the game via our social media platforms.