Whitley Bay friendly and beer festival to kick off pre-season

Spartans can announce the first game of their pre-season schedule will be a home game with Northern League side Whitley Bay. The Seahorses make the trip along the coast on Satuday 5th July, with the game kicking off at 3pm. The two clubs met in the pre-season twelve months ago with Spartans winning both fixtures. Early goals from Dan Maguire and Joe Kendrick gave Tom Wade's side a 2-1 win at Croft Park with the return game taking place at Hillheads seven days later. On that day Lee Mason, Robbie Dale and Rob Nolan gave Spartans a comfortable win and they will be looking to start pre-season in equally impressive fashion. However the day will be about more than just the friendly.

The game will be part of the first ever "Blyth Spartans Beer Festival" with events taking place on each day from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th July. This will give supporters a chance to enjoy some of the greatest real ales Northumberland has ever seen and will play part in a busy weekend for the club.

On the Friday night the Clubhouse plays host to Punk band Hand Held who will be live on stage from 8pm. On the Saturday the Clubhouse doors open at midday with the match kicking off at 3pm. Then on the Sunday Croft Park will host a family fun day with a free bouncy castle, face painting and a BBQ for all of the family to enjoy.