By Andrew McDonnell (@AndrewSJourno)
Pre-Season Friendly
Venue: Croft Park, Plessey Rd, Blyth, NE24 3JE
Date: Tuessday, July 25, 2017
Kick-Off: 7:30pm
Updates: @MorpethTownAFC
We all remember that sunny afternoon at Croft Park last September, a memorable day for Morpeth Town, who beat renown giant-killers, Blyth Spartans, in the FA Cup.
A breathtaking start to the game saw Morpeth pounce into a 3-0 lead within the blink of an eye. Michael Chilton opened the scoring from close range before lobbing the ‘keeper for his second, while Luke Carr curled into the top corner soon after.
Dan Maguire’s strike and an own goal from Jordan Fry made it nervy for the visitors in the second-half, but Liam Henderson’s composed finish ended any chance of a comeback.
The two sides are set to meet for the first time since that game, and it is sure to be another excellent test for the Highwaymen
Team News
Richard Pell will be available for Morpeth after the successful birth of his child, and everyone at the club would like to congratulate him and his wife.
Mark Davison is missing due to work and Jordan Fry will only be available for one half at Croft Park – also due to work commitments.
The Managers Views
Co-Manager Nick Gray said: “I’m really looking forward to the game. I’ve had a little break from the lads, so I’m looking forward to seeing how we perform.
“Blyth are a very good side, with some excellent individuals, that have an unbelievable team work ethic.
“As pre-season progresses, our fitness levels are, and we (the squad) have has a discussion after training on Saturday and said our season starts tonight.
“Some of the players are at different fitness levels due to work, holidays etc, but as a group we now need to step on the pedal and each of the 18 players need to push each other.”
The Opposition
The Spartans are preparing for life in the National League North, as they won the league last season in Alun Armstrong’s first season in charge.
Long-serving manager Tom Wade left last September, and little did they know that bringing in Armstrong would be a stroke of a genius.
Blyth have had five pre-season games so far, with the previous two games being against Sunderland and Middlesbrough Under-23s.
Both games seen the Spartans come out victorious – 3-2 and 4-2 wins respectively – while their games against Northern League outfits West Auckland and Shildon were draws.
Admission Prices
Entry at Croft Park is £4 for Adults and £2 for Concessions.
Last Meeting
Sat, August 17, 2016 – Blyth Spartans 2-4 Morpeth Town (Chilton 2, Carr, Henderson)
