Blyth Spartans (H) – Match Preview

Arguably the most famous team in our league comes to the Hollou tomorrow, but it is a famed team that have struggled this season

Both Blyth teams will face the Steelmen in a matter of days, and up first it is the Spartans

Our first game of our NPL campaign was against the Spartans, and in a somewhat surprising result, we emerged as 4–1 victors, with Adam Boyes, Brad Fewster and Curtis Round all bagging in a solid win

That result seemed to set the path for both of our campaigns, with the Steelmen planted at the top of the league, whilst Blyth Spartans sit at the foot of it

Our most recent win against Bridlington was a brilliant way to start the year, and it was done in proper Steelmen fashion

Quick fire goals, a hat trick and a clean sheet, all in one 90 minute package

Bradley Fewster’s hat trick means he is now the 6th highest goalscorer in all of Step 4, and 2nd in our league

Adam Boyes still leads the way for our division, though he is still 2nd in the step’s top scorer chart

Oscar Fletcher also sits joint third for our league, meaning, on a slight technicality, the top 3 goalscorers of the NPL East are all Redcar Athletic players.

I would say Steelmen, but that would mean Consett can claim them, and I am not letting them have that.

As for our opponents, Blyth Spartans, their most famous moment would have been for their FA Cup run in the 1977-78 season (A bit before my time that is)

However, the present day has been harsher for the Spartans, with their current league position reflecting last season’s final one.

In a slight positive for the Green Army, they are just a point off matching their final point tally from last season, with the current Spartans on 17 points so far

A newly appointed manager, in Marc Nash, shows the intent to survive, though it was a rough start for Marc as Blyth Spartans suffered a 2-1 defeat to local rivals Blyth Town on New Year’s Day

To sum up how stressful this season has been for Blyth Spartans, they have only got 1 ranked player on the Step’s top scorer charts, and that is Benjamin Shodeinde, all the way down in 242nd

After him, all their other players have registered, at most, just 2 league goals.

The side’s last 2 victories came in an away trip to Ashington, and then in what may be one of, if not the biggest shock of the season, a 2-1 win against Matlock Town all the way back in October

There is a tinge of controversy to that game mind you, in that it was played on a Tuesday night, meaning Matlock had to make a 3 hour, 170 mile trek up north

And then make that same trek back down south.

Looking at goal differences, Blyth Spartans should not be at the foot of the league, with the side having comparable GD’s to the likes of Ashington and Brighouse

But seemingly, they have just been unable to pick up the points where it matters

And fingers crossed, they leave the Hollou with none as well.

If you can’t make tomorrow’s match, then there will be live updates on our X page

But I do hope to see you at the game, for what will surely be a great game of football.

Either way, take care, and up the Steelmen!