Preview | Boston United FC (A) | National League North | 2023/24

Blyth Spartans are on the road once again as they travel to the Jakemans Community Stadium to face Boston United in the National League North.

The Spartans had a Bank Holiday Monday to remember as they defeated Spennymoor Town 2-0 thanks to a penalty converted by captain Nicky Deverdics and a perfect chip from Will McGowan in front of a crowd of 1279 at Croft Park.

Ticket Information

You can buy tickets with cash or card at the gate on the day or online here. Away supporters are situated in the East Stand, which is accessible via turnstile E2.

All ticket information is as follows:

• Adults - £15
• Concessions (over 65) - £12
• Under 16 - £6

Team News

JJ O'Donnell and JJ Hooper are nearing their respective returns to the squad following injury; the former could be involved in Tuesday's fixture at Croft Park against Farsley Celtic when his concussion protocol period has passed.

Alex Mitchell will be available to feature between the sticks having missed Bank Holiday Monday's clash against Spennymoor Town.

What We're Saying

Following a 2-0 win against Spennymoor Town on Bank Holiday Monday, Jon Shaw said: "Excellent, to be honest with you, it is the kind of performance that [Graham] Fenton has said to the lads, that's the bar.

"Because in possession we definitely showed what kind of side we are, but I think that we have shown that all season, I think in spells we've shown what we are like without the ball and today we were excellent without the ball against a dangerous side.

"Spenny are top for a reason, the players at the top end of their team score goals regularly for a reason and for a lot of the game we completely nullified that and created not just the two goals, we obviously had another two or three really good chances.

"So all-in-all at home, Bank Holiday Monday, after a defeat away on Saturday, we couldn't have asked for much more really."

Assistant Manager Jon Shaw's post-match assessment of Monday's 2-1 win over Spennymoor Town

Opposition

The Pilgrims are currently placed in eighth position of the National League North standings, three places and two points adrift of Spartans having won three and drawn one of their opening six fixtures.

What They're Saying

After a defeat to Bishop Stortford, Ian Culverhouse said: "We gave a cheap free-kick away in the corner with the game going nowhere. They showed a lot more desire in the box than we did to head it away, so that's two games lost and three starts where we have conceded.

"But it's not good enough today, we had a couple of chances in the second half, huffed and puffed, but we looked a little leggy at times, especially the first half, but that was the same for both teams.

"And if you're not going to win it, you certainly shouldn't lose it, especially today."

Ian Culverhouse's post-match assessment of Monday's 1-0 loss against Bishop Stortford

Last Time We Met

Unfortunately for Blyth, a trip to Boston hasn't been the easiest for the travelling Spartans as on the road they have suffered the most visits to the Jakemans Community Stadium without a win, 14 games, losing nine and drawing five with 16 goals scored and they have conceded 35.

Last season at the Jakemans, Blyth suffered a 3-0 defeat as Keenan Ferguson opened the scoring in the first half and Jake Wright sealed the victory for the Pilgrims with a second-half double.

However, the season prior Blyth nearly came away with a victory at Boston as Lewis McNall put Spartans ahead after 42 minutes and it seemed like three points were coming to the North East until Scott Duxberry's equaliser stunned Blyth in the 90th minute.

Media Coverage

You can follow all of the action on Saturday afternoon via our social media platforms and BlythLive on Mixlr too from 2:45pm.