Whitby Town vs Blyth Spartans - Match Preview

EVOSTIK PREMIER DIVISION

Venue: Turnbull Ground, Whitby (YO21 3HZ)
Date: Wednesday 28th October 2015
Kick Off: 19:45

SCORE UPDATES / MATCH COMMENTARY

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ADMISSION

£9 - Adults
£5 - Concession
£3 - Under 18's
Free - Under 16 with an adult

TEAM NEWS

Blyth got back to winning ways on the road over the weekend with a comfortable 4-0 win at Buxton and are away again on Wednesday night, travelling down the coast to Whitby Town. The Seasiders have had the better of the recent ties between the two clubs, with the Yorkshire side winning 3 of the last 5, but the reverse fixture earlier this season saw a Robbie Dale brace break the trend and record a win for the Spartans over Darren Williams' side.

Tom Wade looks to have a full strength squad to pick from following the return at the weekend of central defender Ryan Hutchinson and the Spartans will hope that the goal scoring form of Dan Maguire can continue following his hat trick against Buxton.

Whitby find themselves in trouble at the bottom end of the table, having recently gone down to a 4-1 away defeat to league struggler's Ramsbottom United, but bounced back with a solid 2-1 win over Matlock Town. The goals from new signing Michael Roberts have been vital to the Seasiders this season, along with the form of highly rated, young goalkeeper Shane Bland.

A tough tie awaits, but a win can see Blyth open up a gap to the chasing pack, whilst still holding a game in hand to their rivals.

DIRECTIONS

- Take the A19 southbound through the Tyne Tunnel
- Merge on A174 ramp to Whitby/Teesport/Wilton
- Take the A172 ramp to Guisborough/Stokesley/Whitby
- Turn right onto Stokesley Road (A172)
- Go through 5 roundabouts and then take the third exit onto Middlesbrough Road (A171)
- 24 miles ahead, turn off onto the B1460
- Take a left onto Love Lane B1416
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto White Bridge Road (Ground on your right)

OPPOSITION MANAGER

Darren Williams - Ex football league player, he has been in charge since the departure of Tommy Cassidy back in October 2011.

DANGER MAN

Michael Roberts - The team's top goal scorer with 11 goals to his name, including 2 in the reverse fixture back in August.

LAST TIME WE MET

Blyth Spartans 3-2 Whitby Town - Tuesday 18th August 2015

http://blythspartansafc.co.uk/new_php/?p=12949

RECORD AGAINST OPPOSITION

Played - 106
Won - 42
Lost - 41
Drew - 23

Scored - 171
Conceded - 165

RECENT MUTUAL FRIENDS

Graeme Armstrong
Michael Tait
Steve Pyle
Alex Gildea
Liam Gildea
Steve Johnson
Sam Hodgson
Andy Leeson
Ged Dalton
Shaun Reay
Harry Dunn (Managed both)
Michael Laws
Richard Forster
Craig Skelton
Phil Naisbett
Tommy Cassidy (Managed both)
Mark Bell
Andrew Thompson
Darren Craddock
Callum Hassan
Ash Davis
Liam O'Mahoney
Graham Robinson
Craig Farrell
Richard Pell
Mark Cook
Arjun Purewal
Stephen Tobin
Lee Mason

OFFICIALS

Referee: Darren Whatling
Assistants: Leslie Towse and Brandon Bishop