Preview | FC United of Manchester (A) | FA Cup Replay | 21/22

BY Stephen Burton

Blyth Spartans travel to Broadhurst Park on Tuesday evening (kick-off 7:45pm) to face FC United of Manchester in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round replay.

Michael Nelson's side were held to a 1-1 draw against the Northern Premier League outfit on Saturday, setting up a midweek trip to Manchester.

JJ O'Donnell scored his fourth of the season to give Spartans the lead only for FC United to pull level inside the final 15 minutes through Cedric Main.

Supporter Information

Ticket prices: Adult: £12. Concessions: £7. U18s: £3. U5s: Free with a paying Adult.

Turnstiles: Three turnstiles are open in the SE corner. One from 6:15pm and the other two from 6:40pm Cash and card payments can be taken.

Car park: Car parking is available at Broadhurst Park (310 Lightbowne Road, M40 0FJ) at £5.

Full match arrangement can be viewed on FC United of Manchester's website here.

Team News

Jordan Hickey and Connor Thomson were forced off on Saturday. Their fitness will be assessed alongside Nathan Buddle and Dan Maguire.

Cameron Painter will serve the last of his three-match suspension following his red card at Farsley Celtic. Josh Gillies remains sidelined.

The Opposition

While FC United have struggled on the road this season, at home they have been far more impressive, winning four and drawing one of their six games in all competitions.

Their last match at Broadhurst Park was a 1-0 win over high-flying Bamber Bridge.

A late goal from Blackpool loanee Bradley Holmes secured a much-needed win against a side that had gone eight games unbeaten.

What We're Saying

Speaking to BSAFCTV, boss Nelson was deeply disappointed with what he saw at Croft Park on Saturday.

He said: "That's by far our worst performance of the season but still we should probably come out 1-0 winners by doing the basics right in the second-half.

"We seemed sluggish today, really off the pace right from the start. I think it should've been a case of take your medicine and see the 1-0 out and get through to the next round.

"It was the same team that we put out against Darlington last week. In the first-half of that game we were brilliant, but we never got near that today.

"We showed signs - the goal we scored was very good and we made a couple of chances - but all over the pitch we were second best and nowhere near where we should be."

What They're Saying

FC United boss Neil Reynolds spoke to his club's media after Saturday's game.

"I'm so proud of my team taking on a side from National League North," he said. "We were up against it today but I thought the boys were exceptional and we look forward to Tuesday night.

"I said at half-time we were well into this game and that a chance might come. We got the equaliser, then I was thinking can we go and win it, but we had to withstand the last five minutes with set-pieces and aerial threats.

"It was a good game of football, we've got to now dust ourselves down and get ready for Tuesday."

Last Time We Met

The two sides last met at Broadhurst Park National League North in April 2019, when a last-minute winner from Adam Wrightson secured Blyth a 2-1 win as they marched towards the play-offs.

Spartans also won away the previous season, with Dan Maguire (twice) and Sean Reid scoring in a 3-1 win in September 2017.

Last six: DWLDWD

Media Coverage

Join Craig Dobson and Phil Casitaux on Blyth Live from 7:30pm.

Alternatively, there will live updates via Twitter.