Spartans To Play Newcastle Reserves In Senior Cup Final

Blyth Spartans will face Newcastle United reserves at St James' Park in the final of the Sage Northumberland Senior Cup, following a 2-0 victory for the magpies second-string against Ashington CFC on Wednesday night.

Spartans booked their place in the final - for which a date has not yet been confirmed - last month with a win by the same score-line against Newcastle Benfield.

In the second semi-final Peter Beardsley's reserve side were worthy winners thanks to second-half goals from Brad Inman and the highly-rated Michael Richardson.

Watching on from the stands at Whitley Park was Blyth manager Mick Tait (above left) who is looking forward to his first Senior Cup final with the club.

He said: "The players are really up for it, against Benfield we were determined to go through after being beaten in the semi-final by Ashington in last season's competition.

"The reserves will be a real test, they're all comfortable on the ball and like to play it to feet so we'll try and stop their passing game."

Tait added: "We play in a similar style so I'm hoping for us to dictate the play."

Blyth's name last appeared on the trophy in 1994 and Tait believes his side have a real chance in this year's final against a youthful outfit.

He said: "Our experience should show on the night, it will be a great occasion."