Preview | Southport FC (h) | National League North | 22/23

By Ben Lightfoot

The Spartans return to Croft Park under the lights as they host Southport in the National League North.

Last time out, Blyth suffered a 1-0 away defeat away to Chester FC after an early goal from Kurt Willoughby.

Ticket Information

• Tickets can be purchased 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 6:45pm on a matchday.
• Should you wish to sit in the Port of Blyth Stand, you should purchase in advance.

Team News

Lewis McNall, Nathan Buddle and Josh Gillies remain out injured.

Opposition

The Sandgrounder's saw a draw last time out at the Merseyrail Community Stadium as they held to a 1-1 draw Scarborough Athletic after a 95th-minute equilser from midfielder Joshua Hmami.

Liam Watson's side are currently ninth in the National League North and travel to Croft Park being undefeated in their last six league games.

What We're Saying

Following a Friday night defeat away at Chester, assistant manager Andy Inness said: "99% of the game we are really pleased with, we came away from home and dominated large spells of that game with really good possession.

Our Achilles-heel continues to be a really untidy goal which was avoidable again, but the lads are not for the one to try and rectify them sloppy mistakes and at some point we are going to have to cut them out of our game, otherwise we are going to be chasing games rather than trying to lead them.

But on the whole tonight we were very good in spells but just lacked any real clear cut opportunities."

What They're Saying

After scraping a point last time out, Liam Watson said: "Both really (disappointed and pleased) obviously Scarborough the way they lined up with the wing-backs staying in so it was more like a five and we knew it was going to be hard to break down.

They're obviously a really good team, they try and pick you off in transition, which I understand and they're quite brave as they leave three upfront.

We've give away from our point of view a terrible, terrible goal, switching off on the first ball and Toney pulled a great save off but it's ricochet of Jack Doyle or one of them or whatever it's just a poor goal, but I never ever thought oh here we go or any pressure throughout the game."

Last Time We Met

It was jubilation for the travelling Spartans back in February as then Terry Mitchell's side won 3-2.

Southport's George Newell opened the scoring after 12 minutes, but three consecutive Blyth goals from Patrick Almond, JJ O'Donnell and Lewis McNall put the Spartans in control, before a late goal from Adam Anson attempted to force a comeback for Southport, but Blyth managed to hold onto the three points.

Media Coverage

Unfortunately there'll be no Blyth Live, however, you can follow the game via our social media platforms.