For the first time since that memorable FA Cup clash in the 1st round way back in November 1995, Spartans and Bury lock horns, in a game that will has the potential to be a competitive and fierce cup clash.
Since we last met Bury, it’s safe to say they’ve had an interesting but difficult time both on and off the pitch. The year Spartans dumped them out of the FA Cup, they won promotion to what is now League Two, finishing in 3rd place. The season after they won League One, going on to spend 2 seasons in the Championship before being relegated in 1999. A few more years back in League One followed, before slipping down in to the 4th tier of English football once again in 2002, with the likes of #BlueSquaremen Gareth Seddon amongst their ranks.
Promotion back to League One would come in 2011, but that would only be the start of 9 years of yo-yoing between the 3rd and 4th tier. In 2019 the club would be famously expelled from the Football League, after the club was ran into the ground by questionable ‘businessman’ Steve Dale, who would later be made bankrupt. As for the football, it remained mothballed for a number of years, while phoenix club Bury AFC began life again in the North West Counties League. In 2023, the phoenix club would finally be merged into Bury FC and move back to Gigg Lane. Last season they narrowly missed out on promotion to Wythenshawe Town in the Play Off final.
Up top, Bury have a few players that will likely cause Spartans some problems. A name many of you will be familiar with is Lewis Alessandra who’s played for Carlisle United, Hartlepool United, South Shields and a whole host of Football League clubs. The 35-year old can operate as a striker, a number or on either flank and with his dribbling, passing and ability to unleash a long distance strike at goal – he’ll be a headache for the defence. As will former Workington man Ruben Jerome, who’s netted 7 times so far this season. A forward who can operate on either flank, Jerome is a proven goalscorer having bagged 68 goals in 127 across the last 5 years.
Bebeto Gomes will be a tricky one to deal with as well. A versatile player who can play Right Back, Left Back,Centre Mid, Right Wing and Left Wing – the Portuguese Damo Mullen is strong and pacey, and has already chipped in 5 goals and 6 assists so far this season. Connor Pye will be another familiar face to some. The left back spent some time at Morpeth recently, being loaned to them from Sunderland. A pacey attacking full back who’s a capable crosser, he’ll be a challenge for whoever we have Right Back.
In the centre of the park, Bobby Carroll will be one to watch. A good passer of the ball who can put a foot in when required – he’ll likely be partnered by Sam Coughlan. A 19-year old midfielder who’s set up 3 goals and bagged 1 for himself so far, Sam is a former Everton youngster who’s seemingly a confident young playmaker with a big future in football.
At the back Bury have 2 very good options, in Lewis Earle (who can also play in a holding role), club captain and new signing Ben Hockenhull. Both of whom are big physical players who should be able to deal with just about any aerial threat Spartans throw at them, we’ll have a tough time with them on Saturday. Club captain and left back Gareth Peet will also likely feature. He’s an out an out left back who’s said to have a canny free kick in his locker.
Experienced and successful North West counties gaffer David McNabb is at the helm these days, with Bury currently sat in 6th place in the North West Counties Premier Division. Bury are the only unbeaten side in the division having won 6 and drawn 3 games. So far this season Bury have bettered old NPL foes Congleton Town, Avro and Garforth Town to reach this stage of the competition.
Interim Manager David Stockdale will be awaiting the return of a few injured players, with the likes of full back Joe Oliver, holding midfielder Ryan Donaldson, all round attacking midfielder Isiah Cornet, and centre back Harrison Clark all out injured in recent weeks. Winger Max Storey will be out for a while yet, and we still await news on Lucas Reed‘s return to action.
As for a predicted XI, yet again it’s difficult to try and guess at. Ben Milburn grew into the game at right back on Tuesday, and youngsters Billy Gordon and Zach Simpson have been fearless in their roles of late. With no news on the fitness of Donaldson, Oliver, Clark or Cornet, it would make sense to go with the same XI that bagged the win on Tuesday night? Unless Harry Gardiner and or Mitch Curry are rotated into the team.
The question probably remains now though, is a win on Saturday enough to guarantee David Stockdale the job as permanent manager going forward? A win against a strong side in the FA Cup probably would do it for most people.
The Clubhouse will be open from Midday, and will have one of the many games on the many Football League games live on Sky Sports+ on. Hopefully it’s the Wimbledon vs MK game, so we can all laugh at the franchise scum.
If you haven’t ventured in for a while, the clubhouse now has Boddingtons, Guiness, Goose Island, Camden Hells, Mahou, Stella and Orchard Pig on tap. Cans of Red Stripe, bottles of Tiger, Cruzcampo and some Kopparberg.
The game is of course segregated and Bury fans won’t be allowed in the Clubhouse prior to the game, however they will have a bottle/can bar in their end of the ground (Plessey Road end) open before kick off.
Tickets for Saturday’s game can be found here. Bury fans must buy in advance, where Spartans fans can either buy in advance or pay on the gate with cash or card. Spartans fans can of course only go in via the Kingsway End. If you try to go in via the Plessey End you will be turned away, which seems to happen a lot with these segregated games.
Admission prices can be found below.
Adult – £12.00
Concession – £7.00
11-16 & Students – £5.00
U10 – Free
As ever, transfer to the Port of Blyth stand to be seated will be £2.00
The regular food vans should be in place, with the away fans having their own food van in place at the Plessey End. Not exactly sure what time the club store’s opening these days, but I’ll presume it’s 1:30pm still like it used to be. So if you’re still after a new shirt, they should have plenty in stock still.
If you fancy heading down to Blyth beforehand, note The Waterloo offers a 10% discount 2 hours before and 2 hours after a game, if you present your season ticket or match ticket at the bar! Away fans will also be welcome as well.
Sadly no betting odds can be found for this one, or any referee information just yet. Hopefully by time Stockdale marches the lads into the next round, that’ll change.
#HowayBlyth!