Preview | Leamington (a) | National League North | 21/22

Thursday, 27 January 2022

Blyth Spartans will be looking for their third straight win as they travel to face Leamington in their National League North clash on Saturday.

Terry Mitchell oversaw Spartans first away league win of the season last time out, as Dan Maguire's late goal secured a 1-0 win against Alfreton.

The win continued a fine run of form, winning four of their last five since beating Spennymoor Town on the 28th December.

Ticket Information

To help minimise queues, Leamington encourage fans to book tickets in advance, here. There'll be one turnstile dedicated to scanning online tickets, and one to purchase tickets on the day - both cash and card are accepted.

Admission prices are as follows:

  • Adult - £13
  • Over 60s - £9
  • Student (with NUS card) - £6
  • Under 18s - £3
  • Under 12s - Free of charge

Team News

Nathan Buddle will be assessed after picking up a knock against Alfreton last week.

Opposition

The Brakes currently find themselves in 15th place in National League North, one point ahead of Blyth, although they have played a game more. Since beating York City at home on the 9th November, Paul Holleran's side have went 10 games without a win, and have lost their last three on the bounce.

Last time out they went down 3-1 away to Gateshead at the International Stadium. Kelsey Mooney scored just after half-time to level the scores, in an encouraging performance from Leamington, but two late second-half goals secured the win for the league leaders.

What We're Saying

Looking ahead to Saturday's clash, Mitchell was looking to build on last week's win against Alfreton. "I thought the lads were outstanding against Alfreton, in what was a difficult opponent. Getting the first away win was brilliant, but he biggest thing for me was hearing the noise of the supporters, I was delighted for them.

If we want to start pushing up the league, we need to start picking up away points. We'll have a look at their strengths and how we can nullify them, and then any weaknesses we can exploit.

It'll be a different game to last week, a different sort of style. They gave Gateshead a good game on Saturday, so we'll know it'll be a very tough game."

What They're Saying

Speaking after his side's defeat to Gateshead, Holleran saw plenty of positives, "Second-half we gave it a right good go and went right after Gateshead. We got the goal and had a bit of momentum, on another day we might've got something out of it. Results-wise, the last couple of months we've found very tough, but in terms of performance levels, everyone's working hard and we just have to keep that going.

We need to start picking up points. Blyth have had a very good win today, and Terry's done well to turn them round. Our home games are going to be vital for us now."

Last Time We Met

The sides last met in November, where the Brakes ran out 2-0 winners at Croft Park, with goals from Devon Kelly-Evans and Joe Clarke a few minutes either side of half-time.

Spartans last trip to the Your Co-op Community Stadium was back in August 2019, on that occasion Leamington enjoyed a 2-0 home win.

Blyth's last win came in February 2019, as they won 2-1 away from home, with early goals from Kieran Green and Dan Maguire securing the points.

Media Coverage

Join Craig Dobson and Phil Castiaux on Blyth Live from 2:45.

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