Preview | Darlington F.C. (h) | National League North | 22/23

By Ben Lightfoot

Blyth Spartans start their big Bank Holiday double header on Good Friday at Croft Park where they host Darlington

The Spartans were unable to capitalise last time out as they were held to a goalless draw against ten-men Banbury after Jay Williams saw red after 27 minutes.

Ticket Information

• Tickets can be purchased in advance via our online system here.
• Away fans will be situated in the Plessey Road stand, they can either purchase online or at the turnstile
• 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.

Team News

There are no new injury concerns going into Friday's game.

Opposition

The Quakers currently sit fifth in the National League North and are looking towards the playoff at the end of the season.

Darlington suffered a defeat to promotion rivals Chester FC as they were defeated 2-1 at home through goals from Declan Weeks and Elliott Whitehouse.

What We're Saying

Following a goalless draw in our last fixture, Graham Fenton said: "We were better against 11 than we were 10, it's that simple.

"We looked dangerous against 11 and when they backed up and sat in and made it difficult we couldn't come up with a solution for it.

"Whether that was round the sides and putting quality into the box and attacking the ball properly when their centre-backs headed the ball properly and defended their box well or whether it was a bit of invention through the middle of the pitch, we had zero of it.

"So how are you meant to open up teams when you can't produce quality in the final third."

What They're Saying

After a defeat at home to Chester, Alun Armstrong said: "The performance wasn't anywhere near what we're capable of.

"We looked like a team that's a little disjointed and a bit disheartened at the moment. We're lacking in confidence.

"We matched Chester up at the start of the game and I didn't think there was much in the game at all. They didn't create much and neither did we, but you could see that they had more of a spring in their step."

Last Time We Met

The last two outings between the sides have both been 1-0 losses for Blyth at Blackwell Meadows, with added-time winners in both games, one from Ben Liddle (95th minute) and the other from Jake Lawlor (102nd minute).

The previous game at Croft Park saw a different result to the away fixtures as the game ended 2-2. Blyth went 2-0 up after 19 minutes through Lewis McNall and JJ O'Donnell, but Darlington turned the game around through Luke Charman and Andrew Nelson.

Media Coverage

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