Preview | AFC Telford United (H) | National League North | 21/22

BY Stephen Burton

Blyth Spartans kick-off their Bank Holiday weekend on Saturday afternoon as AFC Telford United make the trip to Croft Park.

Michael Nelson's side are searching for an immediate response after falling to a 3-0 defeat at Kidderminster Harriers in their first away game of the season last time out.

Indeed, they'll be looking for more of the same from their previous home game when they beat Alfreton Town 2-0 in front of a 1260-strong crowd.

Ticket Information

• We ask that all supporters purchase their tickets 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 2pm on a matchday.

Milestones

Rhys Evans could make his 50th Spartans appearance if he appears against Telford. The right-back joined from Newcastle Benfield in the summer of 2019.

The Opposition

After their first fixture against Darlington was postponed, The Bucks belatedly kicked off their league campaign last Saturday, where they enjoyed a fine 3-0 win over Chorley - despite the first-half sending off of striker Jason Oswell.

Defender Theo Streete opened the scoring in the second-half, sealing himself a place in the Vanarama National League North team of the week in the process, before Elliott Durrell and Jack Byrne secured the win.

What We're Saying

Speaking to Blyth Live, Nelson gave his thoughts on the Kidderminster defeat and pinpointed where his side need to improve for the Telford clash.

He said: "We were still in the game at half-time, I thought we started the second-half quite well and had a good chance. But then a minute later they scored the first goal, and it was pivotal.

"They're a good, honest bunch of lads, but we just didn't have the quality today. We didn't pass it, rather than playing into midfield we just went long.

"I can't be too hard on the lads, it was a great win last week. We're into it now, we've had a home game and away trip. Now they know, if they're not on it that's what will happen to you.

"We'll just get back to what we worked on in pre-season. We'll try to be a bit braver in possession, and have a look at the next opponent and see how we can nullify them."

Last Time We Met

The sides last met in Spartans first home match of last season, ending in a 1-1 draw at Croft Park. Paul Blackett, on loan from Gateshead, scored his first goal for Blyth, two minutes from time, to earn Nelson's side a hard fought point.

Indeed, Blyth have enjoyed a decent record against Telford, with only one defeat in their last six meetings.

Blyth's last victory against The Bucks came in September 2019, as a Callum Roberts hat-trick helped Spartans to a 3-1 win at Croft Park.

Media Coverage

Join Niall Bromley and Phil Castiaux on Blyth Live from 2:45pm.