Spartans to honour armed forces in cup clash

Blyth Spartans can announce that they will pay their respects to the armed forces during Sunday's FA Cup First Round tie with Altrincham, a fixture that coincides with Remembrance Sunday.

The Spartans players will take to the Croft Park pitch with a unique addition to their famous green and white kits. The logo of the Royal British Legion including a poppy will take pride of place on the front of the Spartans kit, which is being shown by defender Danny Parker and midfielder Matthew Wade.

That won't be the only addition as the back of the shirt will feature the words "Lest we forget 1914-2014" in honour of the one hundred year anniversary of the start of the First World War, a conflict that saw the club lose a number of players in battle.

Spartans manager Tom Wade revealed his pride at the gesture saying "It's a massive gesture from the club and we shouldn't forget that Blyth Spartans lost players during the First World War. We shouldn't forget the brave men and women who are serving now so we are honouring them as much as we are remembering those who are no longer with us.

We have to thank Colin Baxter who has worked hard with the Royal British Legion and of course we have to thank them as well. Also Michael Wilson from MWS who our kit suppliers has worked especially hard to help us and it's a huge thanks to him too"

Details will be announced soon of how Spartans supporters can get their hands on the match worn shirts from Sunday's game.