The Simple Spartan Story

[MichaelSoulsby]

Hey people, due to the Blogs being closed i've transfered over to the story area of FM-Base and will be continuing with more detail (pics etc) since it's allowed

To save time i'll just leave the first 2 posts from the blog as it was only the squad and little intro before i took over. This post will include the changes since i took over. The next post will include the pre-season friendlies played by Blyth and any removals from the squad.

New Arrivals

John Scarborough - Joined on a free transfer from Maidenhead, after moving up to the north of England. John is a centre back with plenty of Non-League experience. He started his career at Eastborune in 2001. He moved from clubs which include Tilbury, Billericay, Dover, Sutton United, Hampton & Richmond, Bromley and Lewes. At 32, John still has a couple of years on him before he thinks about retiring. He has joined Blyth on a 2 year deal which he gets paid £95 per week. Welcome to the club John.


David Mannix - David joins Spartans from Vauxhall Motors on a free transfer. The Chesire born centre midfielder started his career at Liverpool where he was part of the youth system for four years until he was 18 and joined Accrington Stanley. The same season he moved to Norway and played for Hamrkameratene. Accrington then signed him back the following year and made 12 appereneces for the club. Next year, Chester City took him on and played 13 times and scored twice for his local club. After the club going bankrupt, he left football for a year. Last season he joined Vauxhall but failed to make any apperences for the motormen. David is a quick player who can run at defences and cause problems. Welcome to Blyth.


Matt Costello - Joins the Green Army on a 2 year deal from Scotish side Preston Athletic. He had impressed in the friendly that the clubs played each other and Soulsby seemed to like what he saw and instantly signed him up. He played for Athletic for 5 seasons and played for Civil Service for 3 years before joining them. The 30 year old centre back will be great to add to the strengh Soulsby is building up at the back.


Kevin Haynes - Just like Matt, Kevin joins Spartans from Scotish side Preston Athletic after their pre-season friendly with the club. Haynes is a centre forward who looked sharp in-front of goal and caused Blyth's defence problems. Kev started his footballing career at Lothian Thistle before joining Dunbar United for three seasons. Scotish third divison's Berwick Rangers spotted the talent and he recorded 55 apperences and 22 goals over 2 seasons. He was sold onto Bathgate Thistle and swiftly moved to Whitehill Welfare for a couple of seasons. He joined Athletic last season and proved good enough for Spartans to get him into their squad.


James Gilpin - Spartans have signed Scotish goalkeeper James Gilpin on a free transfer after being unattached. James joins after a successful trial at the club where he played well and impressed the coaching staff. Gilpin started playing football at Celtic and moved to Doncaster for a season. Without making any apperences for either club, he still hasn't made his senior footballing debut and will hopefully re-kick start his career at Blyth Spartans.


Jonny Wright - Joins from league rivals Workington Reds after spending four seasons their. He came through Workington's youth set up and has recorded 132 apperences and scored 38 goals for the club. Aged at 25, Jonny is still classed as a young play with great goal-scoring ability which he can hopefully continue at Croft Park for Blyth.


Fergus Bell - A striker who joins the club after being highly rated by the coaching staff at the club. Bell was released by Scotish side Hibernian in the summer after 2 seasons in the reserves. They got him from Sunderland's highly rated youth academy. Aged 20 he has a future ahead of him and will hopefully perform up to his expectations at Blyth.



Thomas Lyskov - A danish left back who joins the club after being released by Reading a year ago. He started off at Reading as a youth player and was bought by Chelsea FC aged 14. The following season, Reading bought him back to the club and spent another four years there. He's had a year off from football but will be looking forward to a challenge at Blyth for the left back position.


Adam Dougan - A young defender who joins the club on a non-contract deal. Last season he played for Queen of the South and was released after his time their. At 19, he has got good potential and will need to show the managment at the club he is worthy of a contract.


Junior Osbourne - Junior joins the club after being out of football since the 2008/09 season. He started his career at the high ranked Watford Academy and evan recored an apperenece for the first team in 04/05 and 05/06. During the 05/06 season he was loaned out to Kidderminster where he play 3 games. He returned to Watford and stayed for anther 2 years in the reserves. The season 08/09 he was sold to Aldershot for free which he spent only 1 season, making 8 apperences. From then and now, he's been without a club and will have been dieing to take this oppotunity to re-ignite his footballing career. He can play both right wing or right back.


Medi Abalimba - A Congolese player who was released by his club Oldham in the summer. The 18 year old plays as a defencive midfidler and a more central position. His previous clubs where he grew up with include Southend, Derby and Oldham. This kid seems to have great potential and will most likely become a great footballer. Thankfully he has joined Blyth on a 2 year deal which will help him progress him into a man of many footballing talents.

John Scarborough playing for Sutton United

Kevin Haynes playing for Berwick Rangers

Jonny Wright - Workington

Thomas Lyskov - Reading

Junior Osbounre - Kidderminster

Medi Abalimba - Southend United

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Pre-Season Friendlies

Blyth Spartans vs Ross County - 16th July

Knight, Groves, Jones, Buchanan, Cave, Hooks, Emms, Phillips, Vipond, Armstrong, Taylor (Johnson, Purvis, Coulson, Trialist, Bannister, Mason)

The game was a poor performance for the home side as the Scotish side finished the game as 3-0 winners. Blyth have a worry already after winger Wayne Phillips was taken off with an ankle injury, which he seemed in alot of pain from. This game was said to help Blyth manager Michael Soulsby find the teams weaknesses and reactions to going behind.


Blyth Spartans vs Grimsby Town - 18th July

Gilpin, Pearson, Purvis, Coulson, Cave, Hooks, Emms, Groves, Forster, Taylor, Mason (Buchanan, Vipond, Bannister, Alexander, Barlow)

After 90 minutes, the match ended 1-1. Blyth's goal came from the oppositions own goal on 48 minutes after they scored on the 20 minute mark. A good result for Blyth playing a squad which isn't evan the first squad.


Blyth Spartans vs Berwick Rangers - 20th July

Gilpin, Pearson, Scarborough, Coulson, Cave, Hooks, Vipond, Taylor, Forster, Bannister, Alexander (Buchanan, Groves, Purvis, Emms, Mason, Barlow)

Blyth will be disapointed with the defeat to Berwick which ended 2-0. Dispite having a weakened squad out, Spartans still failed to score against a team at around the same level as themselves.


Preaton Athletic vs Blyth Spartans - 22nd July

Knight, Pearson, Buchanan, Jones, Cave, Mannix, Vipond, Slaughter, Bannister, Alexander, Armstrong (Gilpin, Scarborough, Groves, Mason, Taylor)

After a 2-2 draw away to Scotish non-league side Preston Athletic, Blyth will be hoping to be doing better. Spartans were shock how well some on the players ability was for a team who don't play that high up in the divisons in Scotland. Blyth's goals came from Bannister and Armstrong and the oppositions from Stuart Miller.


Blyth Spartans vs Stockport County - 25th July

Knight, Purvis, Scarborough, Jones, Cave, Hooks, Emms, Slaughter, Mannix, Mason, Armstrong (Coulson, Forster, Taylor, Costello, Vipond, Haynes, Buchanan, Groves, Pearson)

Another poor performance as Blyth lose their last pre-season friendly 3-1. Blyth did take the lead from Armstrong but 3 goals from Stockport ruled out Spartans winning any games in the pre-season and under the rule of new boss Soulsby. Hoepfully the team will be prepared for the first game of the season on the 6th August.




Right, it's safe to say we had a S***e pre-season and could of done alot better in the games. Fitness around the players havn't been up to scratch so players have been lacking fitness which could be a problem for them results. But it's about 2 weeks off until the first league game, which is a tricky away tie to FC Halifax.

Also the club can offically announce the departure of striker John Alexander after leaving on a free transfer. John seemed to be pushed out the club by other players and felt it would be best for him to leave the club and procede his footballing future else where.

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

First Three Matches



So after a pritty bad pre-season, Blyth will be hoping to get a change of fortune when they visit newly promoted FC Halifax. They should have a full fit squad without any fixtures before for 2 weeks.

Wayne Phillips will still be missing with an ankle injury (stained ligaments) for another month and without another left winger, Soulsby will need to find a replacement.


FC Halifax Town vs Blyth Spartans
Saturday 6th August 2011 - 15:00

A 2 and a half hour drive from Blyth to the Yorkshire club and an attendence of 1163 for the opening date of the new season. Blyth gave debuts to Gilpin, Scarborough, Jones, Vipond, Mannix, Emms, Armstrong and Wright. There were also apperences for Cave, Groves and Hooks. At the Shay, the only game of the game went towards to the home side after 63 minutes from a thunderbolted shot in Anton Foster. The stadium jumped to their feet and celebrate with the Shaymen as the number of Blyth fans sat stunned. They did play well but seemed unluckly not to get anything from the game. First game gone and no points on the table.

FC Halifax 1-0 Blyth Spartans

Gilpin, Groves, Scarborough(Buchanan), Jones, Cave, Emms, Vipond(Osborune), Hooks(Bell), Mannix, Armstrong, Wright

Anton Foster - FC Halifax




Blyth will be missing right back Danny Groves after picking up an injury near the end of the Halifax game. He has been scanned as he seemed in alot of pain but only reduced the risk as a spained ankle was confirmed by Susan Dale the day after. He will miss up to a month or 2 of games which will be a long time for an already injury hit squad.


Blyth Spartans vs Corby Town
Saturday 13th August 2011 - 15:00

After defeat to Halifax a week ago, Blyth manager Michael Soulsby will be after some points today against Corby Town. The Steel's drew their first game of the season at home to Cumbrian side Workington 0-0. This will be Soulsby's first competitive home game in-charge of Spartans so he will be wanting to make a good impression to the Green Army.

It was the visitors who started off the better as they took the lead on 12 minutes from a header via a freekick. Goalscorer Phil Gulliver smashed the ball past the unexpecting Gilpin to give his side the lead. Just after the half hour mark it was level again as Chris Mckenzie turned the ball into his own goal from a deflected Wayne Buchanan shot, which was going in any how. On the 38th minute, Blyth's Chris Emms was forced off with an elbow injury which added himself to the injured list at Croft Park. Second half Blyth pressed harder for that leading goal, which was gifted to on 63 minutes from new signing Shaun Vipond's powerful effort. Spartans managed to hold on for the win and took their three points at home. A few bookings were taken along the way which could add up to suspensions if continue regulary.

Blyth Spartans 2-1 Corby Town

Gilpin, Osbourne, Jones, Buchanan, Jones(Scarborough), Cave, Emms(Abalimba), Vipond, Hooks, Slaughter, Armstrong, Wright(Bannister)

Shaun Vipond - Blyth Spartans



So without Phillips, Groves and now Emms, Blyth travel down to Manchester to face Droylsden on the monday night. A tough match where any points will be seen as a good result. Also with playing a match 2 days before, players fitness won't be great so mistakes may occur in both camps.


Droylsden vs Blyth Spartans
Monday 15th August 2011 - 19:45

With Spartans winning their first game under the reign of Soulsby, they'll be wanting to show they aint no push over's to their opposition tonight in Droylsden FC. Dave Pace, a well known person in English football is the owner/chairman of this club and won't be to happy if his squad are beaten by Spartans.

Blyth started off well with most of the possetion and took full advantage when Shaun Vipond scored from 30-35 yards out past grounded keeper Paul Phillips on 34 minutes. With confidence flowing, Blyth doubled their lead when a shot from Armstrong rebounded off Cullen Feeney on 49 minutes, an own goal. There was no way back for Droylsden as they couldn't really break down the Spartan defence. A great performance by the Green and White as they move up to 6th in the Blue Sqaure North.

Droylsden 0-2 Blyth Spartans

Gilpin, Dougan(Abalimba), Buchanan, Jones, Cave, Osborune, Vipond, Hooks, Wexler, Bell(Haynes), Armstrong

The Butchers Arms - Droylsden FC




League Table


3. Colwyn Bay 7pts
4. Histon 7pts
5. Altrincham 6pts
6. Blyth Spartans 6pts
7. Workington 5pts
8. Stalybridge 5pts
9. Guiseley 5pts


New Signing


Due to the injury of Wayne Phillips, Blyth didn't have a recognised left winger so they have brought in American left winger Ian Wexler on a free transfer. The 27 year old joins the lub after being a free agent since leaving Irish side Longford in 2007. He was being looked at by League 2 side Oxford and local rivals Gateshead but decided to join after quickly nipping in for the singature. He will be availble for the Droylsden game on monday night.

Ian Wexler - Longford (2007)

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Blyth Spartans vs Eastwood Town
Saturday 27th​ August 2011 – 15:00

A good opportunity for Blyth’s back-up players to show off to their manager as they may get called up to the injury depleted first team. Eastwood will be tricky opponents for the Green Army who have lost a number of key players through injuries.

Blyth left it late to secure all three points after John Scarborough’s 80th​ minute goal made the difference. Blyth took the lead on 9 minutes through Junior Osborne’s effort. During the first half, Wayne Buchanan and Jonny Wright picked up injuries which forced them off, not a good sign for Blyth’s manager. On 75 minutes, Osborne was injured and was replaced, on which straight after Eastwood pulled level. But almost from the kick off, Blyth re-took the lead when sub defender Scarborough found himself unmarked 6 yards out.

Blyth Spartans 2-1 Eastwood Town

Knight, Dougan, Buchanan (Scarborough), Lyskov, Osborne (Abilmba), Hooks, Vipond, Wexler, Armstrong, Wright (Bell)

Junior Osborne

Histon vs Blyth Spartans
Tuesday 31st​ August 2011 – 19:45

After narrowly beating Eastwood on the weekend, Blyth travel down to Histon in search for some more points to add to their already impressive tally. Another tough tie awaits Spartans as injuries and fitness seems to be getting the better of the squad.

The game started off slow but just before half time, Blyth’s Captain Graeme Armstrong gave the visitors the lead on 41 minutes. Second half, Spartans made the score two then three nil with goals from Buchanan and Hooks. Histon pulled a goal back on 80 minutes but a fantastic volley from defender Carl Jones ended the match as a competition on 86 minutes.

Histon 1-4 Blyth Spartans

Gilpin, Dougan, Buchanan, Jones, Cave, Emms (Osborne), Vipond, Hooks, Phillips (Abalimba), Armstrong, Bannister (Bell)

Wayne Buchanan


Blyth Spartans vs Gloucester City
Saturday 10th​ September 2011 – 15:00

The Spartans have had a break since the turn of September and should be fresh heading into the match ahead. The Blyth manager has named an unchanged line-up from the Histon result which brought them an easy three points.

After everyone was expecting a scoring match, a 0-0 draw was the final outcome of this match as Gloucester’s keeper keeps his team level. Evan with the introduction of subs, nobody could get past the visitors goalie to open the scoring. Blyth still manage to keep their un-beaten home record after todays match.

Blyth Spartans 0-0 Gloucester

Gilpin, Dougan, Buchanan, Jones, Cave, Emms (Osborne), Vipond, Hooks (Abalimba), Phillips, Armstrong, Bannister (Bell)

Croft Park - Blyth Spartans AFC

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Nuneaton Town vs Blyth Spartans
Saturday 17th​ September 2011 – 15:00

Blyth’s really first big match as they travel down to the midlands to face promotion pushers Nuneaton Town. The game is expected to contain goals and plenty action as both teams are pushing for that top spot in the Blue Square North.

With the top spot available for the winner, the away side in Blyth took full advantage as Captain Graeme Armstrong gave them the lead after 10 minutes. Scottish striker Fergus Bell doubled Spartans’ lead on the 24 minute mark. Just before half time, American left winger Ian Wexler made it 3-0 after a strong first half performance from the Boy’s in Green. Second half showed less effort from Blyth as they shut up shop but allowed Nuneaton back a goal on 72 minutes but that wasn’t enough to get back into the match.

Nuneaton 1-3 Blyth Spartans

Gilpin, Dougan, Jones, Buchanan, Cave (Phillips), Wexler, Hooks (Abalimba), Vipond, Osborne, Bell, Armstrong

Blyth Spartans vs Stalybridge Celtic
Tuesday 20th​ September 2011 – 19:45

Another tough test for Soulsby’s men, as they face Stalybridge at Croft Park on a mild summers evening. They will be hoping to push on after their surprising win over Nuneaton only three days earlier. Fitness may still be lacking but with a relatively large squad, they should cope.

Blyth started the match off well and deservedly took the lead after 12 minutes through centre half Carl Jones’ header. The game quietened down until the ref ended the first half with the goal being the only major focus point. On 53 minutes, Blyth’s on-form striker Graeme Armstrong made it 2-0 to almost shut out any comeback from the visitors. Left winger Wayne Phillips virtually ended the match as a competition on 74 minutes with is goal. A great performance from the North East side as they continue their great form in the league.

Blyth Spartans 3-0 Stalybridge

Gilpin, Groves, Jones, Buchanan, Cave, Wexler (Phillips), Hooks, Vipond, Osborne, Bell (Haynes), Armstrong

Spartans Sign Spanish Striker

Blyth have added to their squad by signing free agent Pablo Counago. The striker has been without a club since being released by Ipswich last season. He has great experience in Championship with teams Crystal Palace and Ipswich making 246 appearances and scoring 56 goals. Pablo will be a great addition to the team and will hopefully lead the club to success. Also with experience in Spain’s top division playing under Malaga and Celta, he has had his fair share of experience and should a great at this level of football.

Blyth are now currently sitting in 3rd position in the league table. The FA Cup draw for the second qualifyer round has seen Spartans drawn away to local rivals Whitley Bay, which will be after the next league game.

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Blyth Spartans vs Stalybridge Celtic
Tuesday 20th​ September 2011 – 19:45

Another tough test for Soulsby’s men, as they face Stalybridge at Croft Park on a mild summers evening. They will be hoping to push on after their surprising win over Nuneaton only three days earlier. Fitness may still be lacking but with a relatively large squad, they should cope.

Blyth started the match off well and deservedly took the lead after 12 minutes through centre half Carl Jones’ header. The game quietened down until the ref ended the first half with the goal being the only major focus point. On 53 minutes, Blyth’s on-form striker Graeme Armstrong made it 2-0 to almost shut out any comeback from the visitors. Left winger Wayne Phillips virtually ended the match as a competition on 74 minutes with is goal. A great performance from the North East side as they continue their great form in the league.

Blyth Spartans 3-0 Stalybridge

Gilpin, Groves, Jones, Buchanan, Cave, Wexler (Phillips), Hooks, Vipond, Osborne, Bell (Haynes), Armstrong

Blyth Spartans vs Hinckley United
Saturday 24th​ September 2011

A game which Blyth are full expected to win. New signing Counago makes his debut for the Spartans and will be looking inot opening his account for the season.

As expected, the new look striker was above the rest of the teams and showed his quality and made it 1-0 after 11 minutes. Fergus Bell made it 2-0, then 3-0 and then 4-0 with a 17 minute hat-rick for the Scotsman. Just after the break it was 5 when central midfielder Neal Hooks buried the ball past Hinckley’s keeper on 46 minutes. Taking in hand that the next game would be an important FA Cup tie up the road with Whitley Bay, the squad stopped pushing for goals and held on until the final whistle.

Blyth Spartans 5-0 Hinckley

Gilpin, Groves, Jones, Buchanan, Cave, Wexler (Phillips), Hooks, Vipond, Osborne (Abalimba), Bell (Armstrong), Counago

Whitley Bay vs Blyth Spartans
Saturday 1st​ October 2011 - FA Cup 2nd Qual Round

Possibly the biggest tie in the 2nd​ round of the competition see’s Blyth face local rivals Whitley Bay of the Northern League. In the summer, Gavin Fell and a number of players left the successful Whitley Bay and test themselves at Blyth’s level. Whitley will be hoping for a giant killing against the Blue Square North side and will do anything in their power to get in the next draw.

Hillheads was rocking when the teams left the tunnel as 400 Spartans and 400 Bay’s cheered their team until the kick off. With both sides looking to take the lead, neither really pushed enough to take that just to get the scoring opened. On 34 minutes, the away support erupted as central midfielder David Mannix put Blyth into the lead. The score ended 1-0 at the half time whistle. After the break, Blyth pushed hard for their second and was awarded on 46 minutes from winger Wayne Phillips, an ex-Whitley Bay player. Blyth striker Fergus Bell was stretchered off on 50 minutes with a sprained ankle. But his replacement, Counago quickly made an impression and made it 3 on 55 minutes. The home side did look beat but they managed a get a goal on 58 minutes from Gleeson, a lifeline. But on 72 minutes an own goal from Whitley Bay defender Denis Wright made it 4-1 and really ended the match as a competition. Blyth had won this quite simply and progress into the 3rd​ qualifier round.

Whitley Bay 1-4 Blyth Spartans

Knight, Groves, Jones, Scarborough, Lyskov, Emms (Vipond), Mannix, Abalimba (Hooks), Phillips, Armstrong, Bell (Counago)

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Blyth Spartans vs Ilford
Saturday 14th​ October 2011 – FA Cup 3rd​ Qual Round

Next round of the FA Cup see’s Blyth face Isthmian Division North side Ilford. Spartans are hugely favourites to progress against the their opposition.
Spartans started the match off really well and took the lead on 27 minutes from Captain Graeme Armstrong. Ilford put up a good fight and managed to hold the score up till half time. Second half commenced and right back Adam Dougan got his first goal for Blyth after 49 minutes. Just to make sure of the win, striker Jonny Wright grabbed a late goal on 83 minutes to secure Blyth in the next round of the cup.

Blyth Spartans 3-0 Ilford

Gilpin, Osborne, Jones, Dougan, Lyskov, Vipond, Abalimba, Mannix, Wexler (Phillips), Armstrong, Counago (Wright)

Solihull Moors vs Blyth Spartans
Saturday 22nd​ October 2011

Back to the league after Blyth made it to the FA Cup 4th​ qualifying round. Travelling down to Birmingham to face league strugglers Solihull Moors will be tough for Blyth after being playing back-up players for the cup ties, the first team lads haven’t really had great amount of time playing this month.
Blyth started off a little shaky and a poor challenge from Buchanan gave the home side a penalty decision on 14 minutes which was finished well. Blyth lost all confidence after the early sucker punch and were under attack for most of the game, without getting many good opportunities to get level. The loss was basically confirmed on 82 minute when the home side doubled their lead to record a surprise win over play off side Spartans. Blyth will be back in cup action next week with a tie against Southern League’s St Albans City.

Solihull Moors 2-0 Blyth Spartans

Gilpin, Dougan, Jones, Buchanan (Scarborough), Cave, Osborne, Hooks, Mannix, Wexler, Counago, Armstrong (Wright)

Blyth Spartans vs St Albans City
Saturday 29th​ October 2011 - FA Cup 4th Qual Round

Victory for either side will see them get the 1st​ official round of the FA Cup which could see them play against League One sides such as Sheffield United and Wednesday, Charlton and Preston.
With only an attendance of in the 300’s, Blyth managed to create a decent amount of noise with their game against St Albans. They started off the better team and managed to take the lead after 16 minute through new striker Pablo Counago. On the half hour mark, Shaun Vipond was taken off with a pulled hamstring. It came to the second half for the next goal to arrive and it came to the hands of Blyth Captain Graeme Armstrong on 52 minutes. It was made 3-0 on 71 minutes with a goal from Chris Emms. With St Albans struggling, Spartans made up for with goals which was finally polished off with another Armstrong thumper.

Blyth Spartans 4-0 St Albans

Gilpin, Dougan (Groves), Jones, Buchanan, Cave, Osborne, Abalimba, Vipond (Mannix), Wexler (Emms), Counago, Armstrong

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Apologies for the long delay (very long delay) but I’ve recently applied for the Press Officer at Blyth Spartans and was after getting back to writing match reports again if i get the role. I'll continue where I left off in November 2011 after beating St Albans in the FA Cup, proceeding into the 1st Round. My reports will be more detailed so the amount of games covered will take longer but i shall try my best to get them rattled off asap.

After the comfortable win at home to Blue Square South side St Albans, Spartans will want to get themselves back on track in the league and have the chance to with the visit from Yorkshires Guiseley AFC on the Tuesday night. A difficult match indeed but with a win, confidence will be flowing through the squad leading up to the FA Cup 1st Round with the chance to play football league opposition.

Spartans Add Three Points to League Table
The local supporters will be happy with the performance their team gave tonight after managing to end up victorious against league rivals Guiseley. In a relatively close match, it came down to just the one goal to make the difference between the two sides. Blyth manager Michael Soulsby said “Not all games can be attractive to watch such as this one but at the end of the day, we’ve managed to add points to the table, keeping us up their near the peak.”

The cold, windy night still brought a crowd of 368 down to Croft Park to watch Spartans end winners after a goal from full back Danny Groves on 53 minutes. Neither side really dominated possession but Blyth took their chance well and made Guiseley pay for the mistakes. An injury blow for Spartans as striker Graeme Armstrong was taken off just before half time with a cut up the side of his leg. Blyth will travel to Yorkshire rivals Harrogate on Saturday, hoping for another win under this fine spell of form they’ve found.

‘Picture shows Danny Groves placing the ball over Guiseley keeper Corburn’

 

[TamMcCann]

Nice story man!

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Cheers TamMcCann!

During the week, the draw for the 1st​ Round in the FA Cup was made which ended up Spartans having an excellent home tie against League 2 side Crewe Alexandra on the 12th​ November. This will be an extreme test for Soulsby and his men to see whether they can cause another famous ‘Blyth Spartans giant-killing’. But first, the trip down to Harrogate will be the focus as Spartans they try to continue picking up points.




Blyth Rue to Missing Opportunities
A disappointing result for Blyth as they travel back home without any points gained. The game was a tale of 2 halves with Blyth dominating the second half but were unable to find their shooting boots during the entire match. To add injury to insult, former Blyth striker Paul Brayson scored Harrogate’s winner after 22 minutes. This is Spartans’ third away defeat of the season, something in which must improve if they are to push for the promotion or play off positions.

Blyth manager Soulsby didn’t seem too happy with the performance and promised an improvement from certain players in the next match, away to Welsh opposition Colwyn Bay on the Wednesday night. Right winger Junior Osborne went off just before half time with a broken ankle, he was taken to the local hospital for treatment straight away. This injury will be another thorn in Soulsby’s foot as injuries seem to be coming in large numbers for the North East side.

‘Picture shows Harrogate’s Paul Brayson causing Blyth’s defence problems’

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

After the defeat to rivals Harrogate, Blyth will want to really leave Wales with the full amount of points with the visit to Colwyn Bay. Another difficult match but Spartans really shouldn’t have to many problems over-turning the Welshmen.


Clean Sheets for Both Teams
Blyth still won’t be too happy as they leave Wales with just the one point ahead of the massive FA Cup game on Saturday against Crewe. Neither Colwyn or Spartans really tested the goalkeepers with the majority of the match, played between the midfield. As expected, Blyth did rest as a few main players ahead of Saturday but the back up’s still defended well and will be happy personally with their defensive duties.

A point still at the end of the day isn’t great as it adds to 2 matches without a win in the league and another game without a win on the road. The conditions can be partly blamed, but manager Soulsby will want a complete turn-around for the cup match at Croft Park on the weekend. An expected large crowd will want to see Spartans take the game to Crewe and give them a good match.

‘Picture shows Blyth keeper Knight blocking a shot’

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

Without a win in the last two matches, Spartans have their biggest test of the season coming up with the visit of Npower League 2 side Crewe Alexandra. Clearly this will be a hard match with the two division difference and the fact Blyth are only semi pro will have some kind of effect on the players.



Blyth Play Well to Earn Replay
Spartans will be very happy with the performance they witnessed today as they will have a visit down to Crewe after a draw between the sides at Croft Park. In front of a 1300+ crowd, Blyth managed to concentrate on the match and after 25 minutes took the lead from winger Wayne Phillips to the delight of the home following. Crewe couldn’t get through the solid defense and went into the break behind, to the surprise of most people in the ground. Second half, the professionals came out guns blazing and got themselves a penalty after 48 minutes. But thanks to the home support behind the goal, they wasted the opportunity and blasted the ball over the crossbar. With fitness starting to show the difference, the visitors finally silenced the home crowd with a goal from full back Carlo Monti on 67 minutes. The game held out for a draw and the replay will be played in 10 days at The Alexandra Stadium.

Despite not winning, manager Soulsby told the press “We should be proud of our performance today which has showed that in the FA Cup, anything can happen. We’ll go down to Crewe looking for a win in which we almost took today”. Spartans have a week off before they host Worcester in the league.

‘Picture shows Blyth fans behind the goal’

 

[MichaelSoulsby]

After the tie with Crewe, Blyth are back to league action where they will be hosting league toppers Worcester. A huge game for both sides as a win for Spartans will see them overtake the southern side to top the league.


Score Ends Even For Spartans
Another game without a Blyth win as the top two sides in the Blue Square North ends as a draw. A fantastic match with goals and a good atmosphere around the ground made the occasion a little spicier. It started positive for the home side when Pablo Counago put them ahead after 5 minutes. Just a few minutes later, the lead was doubled with a well worked goal from winger Chris Emms. Despite being behind, Worcester didn’t give up chasing the ball and were dually awarded with a goal from striker Mike Symons on 23 minutes. Just after the half hour mark it was level again when Symons got his and Worcester’s second of the game. But fighting back, Spartans regained the lead through Wayne Phillips after 39 minutes, making it 3-2 at half time. The second half was more slowed and cautious from both sides but a mistake at the back for Blyth was punished, leaving Worcester’s Emeka Nwadike to equalize once more.

A draw isn’t a bad result against the best team in the league but winning twice within the game will anger manager Soulsby. Again a few players were rested for the cup replay to Crewe on the Wednesday night but that won’t be an excuse for Soulsby’s men.

‘Picture shows Blyth’s Glen Taylor running at Worcester’s defence’