Prepare for Glory : Return of The Spartan's

[MichaelSoulsby]

( This is a 2nd attempt after my past game died on me after a Crash-Dump Error)

Blyth Spartans are an English Non-League team who play in the Blue Square Bet North Football League. They are located in the town of Blyth in Northumberland. They have excisted since 1899 and been playing at their ground Croft Park since 1909. ​

Spartans are fierce rival's with Gateshead FC and Whitley Bay FC. Other rival's include Ashington, Bedlington, Newcastle, Sunderland and Hartlepool.​

Blyth have a proud record of FA Cup history which gives them the name of 'Giant Killers' with victories over...​

Crewe and Stockport in 1971
Chesterfield and Stoke in 1973
Bury in 1995
Shrewsbury and Bournemouth in 2008​

Current Staff at Blyth Spartans​

Chairman : Tony Platten
General Manager : Ian Evans
Manager : Mick Tait
Assistant Manager : Chris Swailes
Physio : Susan Coates​

The next update will follow later. Hopefully no Crash Dumps will effect history being made by the Spartans!!!​

---------- Post added at 10:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:00 PM ----------

Mick Tait Leaves

Blyth Spartans AFC are sad to announce that manager Mick Tait has left his role at the club. Mick has decided to leave after feeling under to much pressure as being incharge of Blyth and would like to ease off on the workload by taking full contol of Gateshead College's football side. We are sure that all Blyth fans would like to thank Mick for his time at the club and good luck and health for his future. Blyth will be on the look-out for a replacement quickly before the pre-season starts but can assure everybody that it wont be rushed.

---------- Post added at 04:23 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 10:40 PM ----------

New Manager Announced

Blyth Spartans have offically signed a new manager to replace Mick Tait. The man who has took control of our club is local lad Michael Soulsby. Michael is 25 and has just taken his FA Coaching badges and is already looking to be a managerial legend from the beginning of his career. Mr Platten approached Soulsby and the young manager took the oppotunity with all guns blazing.

The board of Blyth Spartans hope that Soulsby will become a popular choice of the fans and lead the Non-League side to the likes of Football League in the future.



Soulsby's first interview occured today and the overall message was that he wont be making any major changes and is happy with the appointment saying, "I will try my best". Soulsby could be an almost perfect choice as being local and knowing what means alot to the fans.



Squad List

Jake Cunningham - GK
Young english goalkeeper who had a previous spell at Scotland's St. Mirren. Has good potential, first choice goal-blocker.

Sam Grieveson - GK
Young keeper with experience of football league. Made just one apperence for Championship side Norwich. He signed for Blyth last year but went to Durham City for games but showed he is good enough for the Blue Sqaure levels.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Danny Groves - DR/MC
Danny signed for Blyth in June 2010 after being released from Darlington. Last season he made 16 apperences for Darlo' and has good potential for the future. He is originally a centre mid but can comfertabley play right back.

Phil Cave - DL
Phil signed for Blyth in June 2010 after leaving rivals Gateshead. Phil started his career at Newcastle's Reserves which lasted for four years. He joined Gateshead in 2007 for one season. The left back joined Scotland's Livingston for half a season and later rejoined Gateshead for another two years.

Chris Swailes - DC/Assistant Manager
The 39 year old joined the staff of Blyth this summer after leaving Gateshead past season. Chris had successful spells at teams including Ipswitch, Peterborough, Boston, Doncaster, Bury, Rotherham, Oldham and Hamilton.

Wayne Buchanan - DC
The Northern Irish man also joined in June 2010 after leaving Gateshead in the summer. He has 5 youth caps under his belt and a long history playing for Distillery. He started his carrer at Bolton before joining Chesterfield for a year.

Callum Morris - DC
The Irish youngerster joined Spartans this summer from Newcastle United. He came through the academy their and lasted 5 years in the reserves. Callum also has 5 youth caps but for Republic of Ireland.

Michael Simm - DC
Simm joined the first team of Blyth Spartans after coming through the youth set up. Michael is a strong player with potential to be in the squad.

Steve Harrison - DR
Steve joined the Spartans last year after two years at Durham City. The right back started off at Sunderland before joining Gateshead for four years. He had a spell at Blyth before rejoining the Tynesiders.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michael Tait - MC
Son of past manager Mick, Michael joined the club last year after spells at Workington, Newcastle Blue Star, Gretna and Darlington. Michael is a strong player who always looks into the play.

Nicky Deverdics - MC/ML
Nicky is a former full time player after being in the ranks of Barnet. Before that he played for Gretna, Bedlington, Gateshead and Newcastle. Nicky is a cracking player with great potential.

Stephen Turnbull - MC
Stephen signed for Blyth last year after leaving Gateshead in 2008. He started off at Hartlepool playing for their first team. He went on loan spells to Gatehead, Bury and Rochdale. Another great player who could be important to Blyth this season.

Neal Hooks - MC
Neal signed for Blyth last season with previous spells at Ilkeston, Newcastle Blue Star and Ross County where he began. Hooks is a tall figure who is good at holding the midfield.

Calvin Smith - MC
Smith joined Spartans in June 2010 as a back-up for the first team. He played for Durham City last year. Mick Tait signed him after being successful at that level,

Liam O'Mahoney - MR
Liam is a young, faster winger who has great potential in doing well in Blyth's colours. He started off at Darlington then joined Sunderland. Liam joined Blyth in June 2010 after being released.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Robert Dale - MR/ML/ST
'Robbie' is Blyth's longest lasting player who has played for Spartans since 2006. We signed him from Ryton and on his debut scored a hat-rick and instatly knew he was a true Spartan.

Paul Brayson - ST
Brayson is Blyth's captain and has been at the club for a year. He has had plenty of experince behind him with playing for teams such as Newcastle United, Reading, Swansea, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Northwich, York, Gateshead, Newcastle Blue Star and Durham City. He scored 34 goals for Blyth last year picking up the Golden Boot Award for the league.

Ian Graham - ST
Ian is a younger, faster striker who is good at running into space and can deliver the killer cross. Graham joined in 2009 after leaving three years at Sunderland behind him. He scored 12 goals in 39 apperences last year and will be goal thristy again.

John Alexander - ST
John 'The Bull' is a strong player who is always hungery for goals but doesnt havnt have a great goalscoring record. John joined Blyth last year and scored only 2 goals in 28 apperences. He joined from Billignham Town but started off in the Darlington reserves.

Eoin Ridley - ST
Eoin is another player who has came through the ranks of Blyth and hopefully can help Spartans cope incase of injuries or suspensions. Ridley is a pacey player with an eye for goal. He has alot of potential inside him and could possibley be very important in Blyth's season.


The Pre-Season results will follow on the next update which will hopefully be tomorrow. Could somebody please tell me how iam doing.

Thanks ​

---------- Post added at 12:53 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 04:23 AM ----------

Blyth Spartans AFC - Pre-Season Report

Blyth Spartans 2-0 Bathgate Thistle
Morris, Brayson

Maidenhead 1-1 Blyth Spartans
Turnbull

North Sheilds 1-1 Blyth Spartans
Brayson

Blyth Spartans 1-3 Berwick Rangers
Rhodes (Trailest)

Blyth Spartans 1-2 Lochee United
Taylor

Kilsyth Rangers 0-2 Blyth Spartans
Brayson, Rhodes (Trialest)

Blyth Spartans 4-1 Bath
Brayson x2, Dale, Graham


New Signings

James Taylor - DC/DR/DL
The young defender start off his career at Newcastle United's academy and was released from them in the summer. James will be able to be a bench player for any type of defender so cover is at hand when he's around.

Blyth have trialest's on-board which contract's have been sent but no reply such as yet.

Matt Barnes - MR
Oliver Nicholas - DC
Charlie Tunnard - ST

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Blyth Spartans vs Stafford Rangers - 7th August

First game of the season saw Blyth take on visitors Stafford. A crowd of 453 packed into Croft Park to witness Michael Soulsby's first competetive game in-charge.

A cracking got turn-out for the start of the season but the first blood went to Stafford after 37 minutes when Kasiama took a header into the bottom of the Blyth net. The score was 1-0 for half time.

With new signings Nicholas, Barnes and Tunnard starting, had the oppotunity to show the Blyth fans what they could offer but it was the Blyth captain Paul Brayson who got the lime-light after equilising on 47 minutes. Accross the face of goal and into the back of the net and his first of hopefully many this season. But it was the home side who had the last say with Nicky Deverdics putting the home side in the lead on 71 minutes. Blyth held out for all three points and a 100% record starts !!!

Main Stand Croft Park, Blyth Spartans

 

[Poppa_ChesterCityFC]

A Blyth Spartan's story, interesting |)
I'll follow to see how you get on, and I'd be grateful if you could take a peak at my story, link is in my signature, thanks.

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Cheers for the message

Harrogate Town vs Blyth Spartans - 14th August

First away game which see's the Spartans travel down to Yorkshire to play derby rivals Harrogate Town. Former player's Wayne Phillips starts for Harrogate and Richard Pell wasny included in the sqaud.

A reletivly warm day in Yorkshire as both teams look for a second win in their season. Blyth have brought in Michael Tait to replace the lacking fit Turnbull. Wetherby Road only had 345 in the ground but the occation still was good. Blyth's players looked sharp with slide tackles on Harrogate's players which saw yellow cards for Deverdics and Brayson. With Blyth looking strong, they took the lead on 30 minutes which saw Tunnard turn the ball into the net. But before half time Harrogate equilised on 42 minutes from striker Ellington. The teams went into the break drawn.

The second half lost the first half's pace but the yellow cards still can thick and thin for Taylor and Tait. Sub Buchanan didnt last long on the field after needing to go off with an injury so Michael Tait needed to go to centre back next to Morris. With the game looking like ending a one all draw, Tunnard found himself with the ball at his feet in the box and buried it. The away fans went wild with what surely was the winning goal for Blyth. Spartans held out for the remaining minutes to leave all three points.

Wetherby Road, Harrogate

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---------- Post added at 10:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:18 PM ----------

Blyth Spartans vs Solihull Moors - 21st August

Spartans will be hoping to retain their 100% record with a win over Solihull who havnt won yet this season. Blyth have replaced Barnes for O'Mahoney and Harrison in for Taylor.

Blyth again looked strong from the start with 487 crowd cheering them on for encouragement. It was Blyth who tooked the first step towards victory with a goal from Robbie Dale on 19 minutes. Blyth were top of the league at this point and the excitment was traveling around Croft Park. But Solihull ended the day-dreaming by equilising soon after from Atkins who looked very powerful in midfield for the Birmingham team. Solihull were awarded a penelty when Cave handled the ball off a corner. West went to shoot and placed it wide of the post. A lucky brake for Blyth. Just after the half hour mark, striker Charlie Tunnard had to go off with an injury and Ian Graham came on to replace him. As the sides where heading towards the break, Solihull broke away from a Blyth corner and scored with Cunnington on 45 minutes.

Second half saw Blyth come close plenty of times to equilising the score but nothing seemed to get past a liveley defence and goalkeeper. Even introducing Matt Barnes and James Taylor could give Blyth a goal and the game finished with Solihull stealing all three points. Blyth will definatley feel like they have been robbed!!

---------- Post added at 01:53 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 10:09 PM ----------

Alfreton vs Blyth Spartans - 28th August

Harrsion retains his place at right-back, Taylor moves across to centre back to replace Nicholas. Michael Tait starts for Turnbull who lacked fitness but is on the bench.

A tough game for Blyth as Alftreon are one of the favourites to lift the Blue Square North title in May. A crowd of 459 turned up to a large Town Ground with around 20 from the North East side. Alfreton took the lead after 10 minutes from Ingram's header from a corner. But Spartans kept going and pulled level a few minutes later from Robbie Dale when Harrison's cross from the right found him one on one with their keeper. Yellow cards for both Cave and Morris was all that occured the rest of the half where both teams went in with a goal each.

Second half started off slowly without any threats of goals. The introduction of Turnbull and O'Mahoney still could conger up any chances for Blyth and the game ended one's apiece.

Town Ground, Alfreton

​

Blyth Spartans vs Boston United - 2nd September (ThursdayoO))

The Blyth squad saw Turnbull return in the starting 11 with Tait dropping to the bench. Kick off at 3:00 on a week day was confusing but still saw 358 turn up with escaping work early to see today's game.

Boston started the better of the two teams and took an early lead on 6 minutes from Weir-Daley. Blyth's poor disipline continued with bookings for Barnes and Taylor. Blyth wern't getting their shots on target today but a cross from Barnes missed Dale and ended up rolling into the net off a Boston defender. Blyth were lucky to score as they really looked unfit and not-happy.The teams went into the break drawing.

Neither team looked sharp enough to score and it took a while for the next goal to come. Boston defender Murphy scored an own goal first half but made up for it with a 40 yard cross which acidently found its way into the Blyth net with 20 minutes left. Soulsby brought on three subs in Tait, O'Mahoney and Graham to try and get level again but shooting wasn't on Blyth's checklist today and the game ended Blyth's un-beaten run for the season.




Berwick Town vs Blyth Spartans (Northumberland Senior Cup) - 7th September

Blyth manager tryed to change his first team for the cup game to give them a rest with victory almost bagged before kick off. The players included New keeper/coach Adamson, Groves, Buchanan, Swailes, Hooks and Alexander to start for a weakend side.

With Spartans being classed as a huge club compaired to Berwick Town, the town's fans can out in force with the attendence standing at 778. It was the home side who started the strongest a put away their first chance on goal with a header from winger Kris Mitchell. Berwick were winning!! Blyth were shocked as the recovered and prepared for the re-start. But it was Berwick Town again who bullied the Blue Square North team and doubled their lead on 28 minutes. Blyth were in troubled and looked like could be dumped out a cup they can easily win at the first stage. It didnt get better for Blyth as Robbie Dale went off injured on 30 mins. Blyth changed their tactic and Liam O'Mahoney slide into a cross and scored just before half time, Blyth were back in the game as the whistle blew for the break.

Blyth needed to score this half and thats just what their manager told them to do. 65 minutes played and Brayson equilised for Spartans with a thunderous shot from outside the 18 yard box. With both teams pushing for the win, tackles were flying in and i was worring that my players dont go to hard into them and pick up bookings but it was the home team which made a mistake and caught Alexander. The ref was having non of it and set one of their players off with 5 minutes to go. Unfortunatly Blyth couldn't capitalise the extra man and the game ended 2-2. A reply will be held at Croft Park to deside who gets into the next round.


​

---------- Post added at 11:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:53 AM ----------

Blyth Spartans vs Berwick Town - 10th September (Friday oO))

With Blyth manager Soulsby resting his first team for the first game, he has decided that he will make sure of no mistakes by putting his first team out after the weekends game was called off for this game. Danny Groves plays centre mid with Turnbull playing on the left wing.

The smallest game of the season for Blyth but by far the biggest attendence of 957. The game took a while to get started but it was Blyth who took the lead from Danny Groves's powerful drive from the edge of the box on 24 minutes. Blyth scored again few minutes later from Charlie Tunnard. Just after the half hour mark, Turnnard got his second and Blyth's third. Spartans went into the break cruising.

Second half saw more goals from Paul Brayson on 54 and 62 minutes which made it 5-0. Berwick did get one back on 65 minutes but that didnt mean much but to their hundereds of fans something to cheers about. Tunnard got his hat-rick on 68 minutes which really made sure of a hammering victory. But the action wasnt over, on 92 minutes Phil Cave saw himself getting red after two yellow cards. ****! Blyth do go into the next round but Cave will miss a game through suspension.

Phil Cave, Blyth​

Corby Town vs Blyth Spartans - 15th September​

Blyth without suspended Cave so Taylor fits into left back and Harrison gets call up to right back. Turnbull keeps his place left wing and Michael Tait moves into the centre mid role.​

The game started off slowly for both team with not much action happening. On 23 minutes Corby were awarded a penelty but a cracking save from Cunningham denide Corby from scoring. Blyth took advantage of an injured player who was recieving treatment on the side and Paul Brayson scored on 45 minutes to take Blyth in the lead for half time.​

Second again didnt see much entertainment in goals but Blyth stayed strong in the defence and managed to hold for the vicotry in not a very fun game. But we'll still take it ​

Rockingham Triangle, Corby​

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

( Just catching up, only long detail in cup or important games for rest of season)

Redditch 0-2 Blyth Spartans - Alexander, O'Mahoney

Blyth Spartans 3-0 Hyde - Brayson x2, Groves

Gainsborough 0-1 Blyth Spartans - Dale

Cramlington vs Blyth Spartans
Northumberland Senior Cup - Last 16

Blyth travel down the road to Cramlington to try and book a place in the quarter final. The attendence of only 91 didnt make much atomsphere but Blyth were no doubt the better team with goals from Tunnard and Deverdics with only five minutes left on the clock. Blyth will play Newcastle United's Under 18 side at St James to procide to the semi - finals.

Farnborough Reserves vs Blyth Spartans
FA Cup 2nd Qualifier

Blyth travel down to Farnborough to play their reserves in the FA Cup tie. It was Blyth who started off the better team after taking the lead after 12 minutes from Tunnard. Just after the break, the Yellow's pulled it level from Barlow. But Blyth continued to show their strength and took the lead again on 62 minutes after Robbie Dale made sure of a goal. But Farnborough didnt give up and scored on 90 minutes from Price making the game needing a reply at Croft Park.


Blyth Spartans vs Farnborough Reserves
FA Cup 2nd Qualifier Reply

Today's attendence of 424 really expected to see a Blyth victory today and thats what they saw. Brayson gave Blyth the lead only after 4 minutes of play. Groves was next with a thunderous volley on 34 minutes. Half time came and Blyth looked really dominant and the goals continued to add. Brayson's second on 49 minutes definatley wrapped up the win for Blyth. On 56 minutes, Blyth winger Barnes suffered an injury which saw him taken off. Blyth striker Graham made sure of the hammering on 62 minutes. But towards the end, Blyth midfielder Groves saw himself getting an early shower with his second yellow of the game. With a fantastic 4-0 victory, Spartans move into the next round and dump out Farnborough's Reserves.


Blyth Spartans vs Bridport
FA Cup 3rd Qualifier

With the third FA Cup game in a row, Blyth saw their 2nd home game in a week. A fantastic attendence of 4158 turned up to egg on Spartans. With the almost sell-out crowd making plenty of noice, the Spartan players had the pressure of a victory resting on their shoulders. Just after half an hour played, defedner James Taylor went off with an injury and was replaced with Morris. But straight from the freekick, Blyth winger O'Mahoney smashed in at the front post to give Blyth the lead. The teams got to the break with only 1 goal separtating them. Second half saw plenty of bombardment from Spartans and a shot deflected off a Bridport defender and into the Blyth goal, 2-0 Bridport were awarded a penelty but it was easily saved by Cunningham. Blyth managed to hold of for the vicotry and to continue into the 4th Qualifier.

​

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Blyth Spartans 2-0 Nuneaton - O.G, Tunnard

Blyth Spartans 2-1 AFC Telford - Alexander, Tait

Blyth Spartans 4-0 Skelmersdale - Brayson x2, Tait, Dale (FA Cup 4th Quali)

Workington 0-1 Blyth Spartans - Brayson

Stalybridge 3-0 Blyth Spartans

Bury vs Blyth Spartans
FA Cup 1st Round

After coming off the back of a hammering defeat, Blyth have lost all confidence and look likely to be rambled upon. First half saw Bury putting pressure on Blyth's defence but nothing was ontarget. Second half Blyth got off to a flyer when captain Brayson put the Blue Square North side in the lead. But that was shortly lived when Lowe equilised for the League 2 side. Neither teams could take the victory and a reply at Croft Park is needed to separte the two sides.


Dover 2-0 Blyth Spartans (FA Trophy 4th Quali)

Newcastle United Under 18's 3-1 Blyth Spartans - Nardiello (New Signing) Senior Cup Quarter Finals

Blyth Spartans vs Bury
FA Cup 1st Round Reply

Blyth looked alot strong side with the home advantage and looked like they could pull one over Bury with the football they played from the start but after 11 minutes Lowe scored for Bury and everyone's head dropped in Green and White. On 34 minutes it was 2-0 when Simm put the ball into his own net. Second half saw the introduction of Turnbull who scored to make it 2-1. But Lowe again made sure of Bury getting into the second round with a goal on 65 minutes.

( 3 games, 3 cup games, all lost because of poor form, disappointing )

Blyth Spartans 0-3 Droylsden

Blyth Spartans 4-0 Ilkeston - Tunnard x2, Graham, Nardiello

Gloucester 0-3 Blyth Spartans - Graham, Hooks, Tait

Hinckley 3-2 Blyth Spartans - Alexander, Nicholas

Blyth Spartans 3-1 Vauxhall - Brayson x3 (Hat-rick)

Stafford 1-1 Blyth Spartans - Tunnard

Solihull 1-2 Blyth Spartans - Deverdics, Nardiello

End of 2010 (Before 1st January 2011)

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

​

Blyth Spartans 3-1 Alfreton - Alexander x2, Morris

Blyth Spartans 2-1 Harrogate - Dale, Turnbull

Boston United 3-1 Blyth Spartans - Tunnard

Blyth Spartans 3-1 Guiseley - Nardiello, Cave, Swailes

Blyth Spartans 1-2 Corby - Taylor

Eastwood 1-3 Blyth Spartans - O.G, O'Mahoney, Nicholas

Blyth Spartans 2-1 Redditch - Tunnard, Nardiello​

Hyde 3-0 Blyth Spartans​

Blyth Spartans 1-0 Gainsborough - O.G​

Nuneaton 1-1 Blyth Spartans - Dale​

Blyth Spartans 0-0 Workington​

Blyth Spartans 1-0 Worcester - Nardiello​

AFC Telford 0-3 Blyth Spartans - Harrison, Tunnard, Alexander​

Droylsden 0-1 Blyth Spartans - O.G​

Blyth Spartans 1-1 Stalybridge - Tunnard​

Guiseley 0-0 Blyth Spartans​

Blyth Spartans 3-1 Gloucester - Marwood, Nardiello, O.G​

Blyth Spartans 1-0 Hinckley - Dale​

Vauxhall Motors 3-1 Blyth Spartans - Barnes

Ilkeston Town 1-1 Blyth Spartans - Nicholas

Blyth Spartans 4-0 Eastwood - Deverdics, Nardiello, O'Mahoney, Morris

End of Season : Finished 2nd (Play Off's)​

Alfreton Town vs Blyth Spartans
Play Off Semi-Final 1st Leg​

With Blyth only missing out from winning the title by 3 points, they were favourites to get a victory away to Alfreton. New keeper Adam Street started in goal with Cave, Harrison, Nicholas and Morris at the back. Tunnard dropped back to left wing with Groves, Turnbull and Barnes next to him. Nardiello and Captain Brayson finished to line-up for Soulsby's biggest test of his Career.​

The season has waited for these games and Blyth and Alfreton were going to fight until one of then falls. Both teams looked like they could open the scoring but it was the travelling fans who were cheering first when Paul Brayson found the bottom corner of the Alfreton goal on 38 minutes. Blyth went into the break winning. Both teams overall pick up 5 yellow cards first half, so they will need to be careful second half.​

Both teams again came close to scoring but on 71 minutes Danny Groves blast the ball into the net infront of the Spartan fans. They went wild and so did the Blyth management staff. He ran up to the side to celebrate with the fans and his team-mates. Blyth did manage to hold out for the last few minutes but Alfreton player Moult saw his second booking of the game and showed his marching orders just before the end. Blyth will really look the team to get to the final with a 2 goal away advantage going into the 2nd leg.​

Blyth Spartans (2) vs (0) Alfreton
Play Off Semi-Final 2nd Leg​

Blyth manager gives lightly unfit Cave a rest and puts Taylor left back. Deverdics replaces Turnbull, Tait is in for Groves, O'Mahoney in for Barnes and Alexander in for Nardiello.​

With Blyth having a two goal advantage, Alfreton need to score 3 goals to get into the final against either Telford or Corby. The attendance of 2304 has clearly heard by the players as chances of motivation popped up during the first half but nothing was put away into either goals, half time score 0-0.​

Second half was reletivitly the same with chances for both teams. Both sets of players were picking up yellow cards including O'Mahoney, Taylor, Alexander, Nicholas and Harrison for Blyth. The excitment from the Blyth fans really started to build with 10 minutes remaining knowing that they were in touching distance of getting to the final. Nothing really came from Alfreton and the final whistle went. |)​

A few player fans got there way onto the pitch to celebrate with the squad but where taken off. Blyth are only one more step away from promotion to the Blue Square Premier where their rivals "Goateshead FC" managed to stay in.​

Blyth Spartans vs Corby Town
Play Off Final​

The final was decided to be held at Croft Park which can hopefully bring Blyth an extra something into an equal tie to come. The same squad started from the Alreton game. The crowd attendance stud at 2260 and Corby brought up a good 400 from Northamptonshire.​

Nothing really looked like threatening either goals for the first ten minutes but Blyth took a chance well and John Alexander put his side into the lead after 15 minutes. The Spartan fans were going wild!! They were at the moment going up into the next division but there is still 75 minutes to hold on. And with Corby looking strong going foward, they equilised after 28 minutes from Mackay. Just before the half time break, Corby took a lead from other striker Webster which silenced most of Croft Park apart from a section singing " Your not singing anymore". The away team went into the break in the lead.​

Second half saw the Blyth players increase the pace of their passing and Corby were unable to get a touch. From a corner, Callum Morris was found unmarked to slide the ball into the net, 2-2. Blyth got back even with Corby and with extra time looming, Soulsby checked to see if his penelty takers were on the pitch which saw the introduction of Robert Dale and John Alexander. Extra time came to both teams which only just made the crowd even more nervy.​

Nobody looked the better team for the first part of extra time and that section of time ended with nothing eye-catching occuring apart from a yellow card from defender Taylor.​

With only 15 minutes away from penelty's, Soulsby changed his formation to 4-3-3 and tryed his best for a winning goal. And with only three minutes later, Croft Park erupted with cheers, whistles and air-horns when Robert Dale scored to which would possibley be the winning goal to get Blyth promoted. Corby were stunned and couldn't fight no longer. The final whistle went to confirm Blyth Spartans promtion to the Blue Square Bet Premier !!!​

 

[Lawton10]

Awesome work on getting promoted!

I'm definitely following, I think Blyth Spartans are the nearest football team on Football manager geographically for me, so I recognise a few players. XD

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Player's Leaving Croft Park:

With Blyth's successful promotion to the Blue Square Premier, player's contract's who manager Michael Soulsby doesn't find suitable for this level have been given free releases. The list includes

Wayne Buchanan
Ian Graham
Chris McCabe
Michael Simm
Calvin Smith
Kris Wilkinson
Neal Hooks
Michael Hepplewhite

I'am sure that people at the club would like to thank these memebers and great success in their footballing career's.


Lawton10 - cheers mate, do you live in Blyth like ?? Hope you enjoy the story



New Signings - (Until 1st game of season)

Adam Drury - ST
Released from Man City Academy. Still only 17 so will learn in my Under18's​

Kane Hemmings - ST
Another young striker after being released from Ranger's Reserves. Can go straight into the first team.​

Cheick Toure - DC
Young Ivory Coast international released from Fulham Academy.​

Mesca - MC
Released from Chelsea's Academy. Still young so not much experience so one for the future.​

Philip Roe - DL
Released from Sheffield United. Left back with potential.​

Christian Montano - ST
Another released young striker. West Ham Reserves and good enough for first team.​

Jordan Brown - DR
Another West Ham departer. Can play either full backs and looks a good signing.​

Pre-Season results will be uploaded next update ​

 

[Epic Football 2011]

Great sseason hopefully you will get step closer to league football this season

 

[JakeHartlepool10]

good promotion mate , im from hartlepool and im keen on blyth fc so ill follow

 

[islam-muhammad]

Congratulations on the pormotion

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Pre-season 2011/12

Prescot 0-5 Blyth Spartans - O.G, Cole, Nicholas, Dale, Tait
Reletivily easy run out for the lads. Debut goal for Cole a good way to introduce himself. Attendence of 71, the new world record ... jk!

Morpeth 0-1 Blyth Spartans - Hemmings
Another simple victory without any pressure. Hemmings first Blyth goal another boost of confidence for Soulsby.

Blyth Spartans 3-4 Charlton Athletic - Toure, Nardiello, Dale
Biggest game for Blyth during off season time and were very close to an upset against League 1 side Charlton. This was arranged after a parent/feeder club relationship was built between the teams during the summer. Crowd of 3720 almost filled Croft Park and a good sum of money would of came from the gates.

Blyth Spartans 1-0 Blyth Rangers - Trialist
Comfertable win over local amatuer side. 290 turned up to see the semi pro side take on the lowly rank Rangers. Dutch striker scored only goal in a poor enteraining match.

Blyth Spartans 1-0 Wigan Reserves - Cole
Another big game for Spartans as they managed a shock win over recently relegated Wigan's Reserves. Big star's including De Ridder and former Newcastle defender Steven Cadwell were amonst the opposition squad.

Farnborough 0-0 Blyth Spartans
Poor game without any goals. Neither team putting their best squad out incase of injuries for first game of season next week. Another clean sheet from Adam Street, Blyth's Canidian goalstopper.


Blyth Squad - 1st Team and Reserves

Goalkeeper's

Chris Adamson - Coach/Player
Adam Street
Jake Cunningham

Defender's

Jordan Brown - DR/L
Phil Cave - DL
Philip Roe - DL
Chris Swailes - DC - ***. Manager/Player
Callum Morris - DC
Oliver Nicholas - DC
Steve Harrison - DR
James Taylor - DC/L/R
Chieck Toure - DC
Max Allaway - DC/R (Youth)

Midfielder's

Michael Tait - MC
Stephen Turnbull - MC/L
Nicky Deverdics - MC/L
Larnell Cole - MC
James Marwood - ML/R
Liam O'Mahoney - MR
Matt Barnes - MR
Mesca - MC
Jack Perry - MC (Youth)

Striker's

Robert Dale - MR/L/ST
Charlie Tunnard - ML/ST
Paul Brayson
Michael Nardiello
John Alexander
Christian Montano
Kane Hemmings


Out on Loan

Danny Groves - DR/MC
Eoin Ridley - ST


See you outside Croft Park saturday morning, we got a long journey !

 

[JakeHartlepool10]

some decent results there mate

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Date : 6th August 2011
Location : Nene Park
League/Cup : BSP

An early start with a 240 mile journey down to Rushden for the first game of the season for Blyth Spartans AFC. These are the player's that traveled down to the south...

- Adam Street (1)
- Jake Cunningham
- Jordan Brown (2)
- Callum Morris (4)
- Cheick Toure (5)
- Philip Roe (3)
- James Taylor
- Mesca {6}
- Larnell Cole (7)
- Robert Dale (8)
- Steven Turnbull (9)
- Michael Tait
- James Marwood
- Christian Montano (10)
- Kane Hemmings
- Michael Nardiello (C) (11)

Match Summary

Rushden were serious favourites with also a home crowd presence more pressure. Blyth brought down a coach of fans which was nice to see support for the North. Neither teams could seem to get shots on-target with 10 of Rushden's 14 going wide or over. Blyth only managed 2 shots all game and with 1 of them on target. The game did end the way it started but a good way to start off the season.

 

[miskell99]

Good story. I think you can get promoted again this season. The interesting thing will be league 2 as that is the toughest leap on the game

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Date : Tuesday 9th August
Location : Crabble Athletic Ground
League/Cup : BSP

A cracking 6 hour journey on an evening will be a full day-out for the Blyth Spartans team as they play there second game of the season.

Adam Street is missing due to an International call up from Canada's under 20's.

- Jake Cunningham
- Jordan Brown
- Phil Cave
- Callum Morris
- Cheick Toure
- Michael Tait
- Larnell Cole
- Liam O'Mahoney
- Robert Dale
- Kane Hemmings
- Michael Nardiello (C)

- Chris Adamson
- James Taylor
- Matt Barnes
- Steven Turnbull
- Paul Brayson

Match Summary

A very long journey between the two sides. Blyth did lack player's due to call up's. After 17 minutes Robert Dale went off injured and the not so fit Turnbull took his place. Dover took the lead on 39 minutes from Hunt. They made sure of a home win with a goal in the second half from Linn on 70 minutes. Still no win from Blyth but a tough start to the Premier season.

 

[JakeHartlepool10]

unlucky agains dover

 

[The Aussie]

Great Story! Love hearing about teams who come from the bottom to do very well Would love to do it myself but I lack the patience

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Date : Saturday 13th August
Location : Croft Park
League/Cup : BSP

Adam Steet returns in goal but tired players start to build up so back up players get an oppotunity to play the first home game of the season against Mansfield.

- Adam Street
- Danny Groves
- Philip Roe
- Cheick Toure
- James Taylor
- Mesca
- Larnell Cole
- Matt Barnes
- James Marwood
- Kane Hemmings
- Michael Nardiello

- Jake Cunningham
- Liam O'Mahoney
- Steven Turnbull
- Christian Montano
- Callum Morris

Match Summary

First home game of the season and a tricky game to win. Attendence of 1219 almost doubles last years average. Mansfield brought about 40 fans up north so a decent atomsphere. It was the visitors who started best and first to score after 13 minutes from striker Louis Briscoe. With confidence behind them, they continued to press without letting Blyth's pacey attackers into their box and ended the first half with 3 points so far. Second half saw Blyth awarded a penelty which James Marwood finished well in the top corner to equal the scores. But to make the situation worse for Spartans, striker Kane Hemmings saw his name booked twice and the team reduced to 10 men for the last 25 odd minutes. Neither team managed to score again and ended in a respectful 1-1 draw.