After what has been a rather disastrous start to the season, Spartans now have a chance to kick start their campaign in the FA Cup and bag their first win in 165 days.
The FA Cup of course holds a special place in the hearts of every Spartans fan, having provided many of us with memories (both on and off the pitch) that will last a lifetime time. It could even be argued that the average Spartans fan would much rather go on a Cup run than win a league/promotion.
With Nobby Solano now out, David Stockdale takes the reigns for now and will be tasked with preparing the lads for Campion, a team from the Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division – which his the same level as the Northern League Division One.
Not much is known about the Bradford based side, as it’s a team many of us are rather unfamiliar with. Their website is somewhat out of date, so we’ve had to rely on the NCEFL website for the lowdown on them.
One name from their squad list did stand out straight way though, that being James Walshaw. Now 40 years old, Walshaw was once a feared striker in the old Blue Square North days, and is probably one of the better players to have played at that level, having spent years with Guiseley, as well as Darlington, Farsley Celtic, Harrogate Town, Scarborough Athletic and Bradford PA.
Their main goal scorer this season though has been forward Zak Khan. He netted 36 times last season, taking his total to 160 for Route One Rovers in the Yorkshire Amateur league. As websites at that level are poor at best, little is known about him but clearly, he’s a man in form.
Former Leeds United man Dominic Matteo is the clubs president, however Lee Ashforth is the man in the dugout, having been in charge of the club since 2019. An experienced manager having managed in the NPL in years gone with the likes of Harrogate Railway Athletic, Ossett Town and Clitheroe – Lee will likely have a few tricks up his sleeve for Stockdale and his Spartans side come Saturday.
Campion are currently on a three game winning streak, having dispatched AFC Liverpool in the last round of the Cup and then Knaresborough Town and our old NPL rivals Frickley Athletic in the league.
Blyth have of course had a plethora of injuries so far this season, with Max Storey, Marcello Benedetti, Harrison Clark, Mitch Curry, Dan Savage, Isiah Cornet, Michael Woods, Ryan Donaldson and Joe Oliver all missing time due to injury at some point in the opening 3 weeks of the season.
Winger Max Storey will of course be a scratch for a good few months. Michael Woods appeared to sit out training on Thursday – though that may have just been a precaution. Lucas Reed is yet to feature in a competitive game yet, however as he’s been having fitness tests, he may well be close to returning. Harrison Clark should hopefully be due to return soon as well.
Dan Savage missed Monday’s game with Morpeth, but hopefully that was just a one off. Joe Oliver went off against Worksop on Saturday and it’s currently unknown how bad that injury is. Isiah Cornet also appeared to go off with an injury over the weekend, so he’s another one the management team will likely be sweating over.
Ryan Donaldson took part in training on Thursday, so he’ll likely be back for this Saturday. As for Marcello Benedetti, we’ve ne clue.
When it comes to a predicted starting XI? We’ve got next to zero chance of getting that right due to the injuries we’ve had lately. But if we’re going to take a wild stab in the dark, with injuries in mind, we’ll likely have to go with this.
Throwing Harry Gardiner in from the start is a bit of a risk after his injury but, needs must. Personally I’d much rather see Pani in the centre of midfield or at left back, but with lack of options at centre back, he may need to stay there for now.
As for Billy Gordon, as our top scorer he has to start, and in probably is best position as well. Who plays at right back will be a headache though if Joe Oliver is missing. Abrahart may get shoved in there again, but young Robbie Kinniburgh may even have a chance of playing.
No matter how it plays out, Stockdale and the backroom staff have a difficult time selecting a balanced squad at the weekend.
At present we still have seats on the bus after yet more drop outs. So if you’re interested in coming along and supporting the lads for this all important FA Cup game, do get in touch!
A reminder that bus leaves Blyth at 8:45am, with a pick up at High Pit (8:55am) and Seaton Delaval (9:00am). Please try and arrive promptly for this one, as we don’t wanna be leaving late.
Campion have a cafe and bar area in the ground (community hub thing) but there doesn’t seem to be a pub for miles, which should be illegal but never mind. They do have a can bar on, but you’ll need cash.
Admission prices can be found below. As far as we are aware, they’ll be taking cash or card on the door.
Adults – £6
Concession – £3
U16 – Free
If you’re making your own way down, the car park only has about 20 spaces, which will likely be taken up by plays and staff. So unless you can park in the adjacent primary school, you’ll have to find a spot in the street somewhere.
It’s also worth noting that the Tyne Tunnel will be down to one lane again, so be braced for a bit of a delay there.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that the game is being televised on BBC Sport, live on the Red Button.
Due to the game being televised, the all important cup clash will be kicking off at 12:30pm.
Expect a few local pubs and clubs will have the game on TV, so if you’re out for a day sesh, you should be able to catch it.
£2,250 in prize money is up for grabs, and the club will be receiving £1,000 in TV Money.
Again, no referee info or betting preview can be found for this game. As is this level of football.
As for a prediction, I am strangely confident ahead of this game. Without wanting to be disrespectful to our hosts on Saturday, they are a team we should be beating.
If we have a few lads back from injuries and Stockdale can give the lads a boost ahead of the weekend, I reckon we can pick up a 2-0 or 3-0 win. We have the players to get such a result and while it won’t be a walk in the park, this is a game we should be winning.
That being said, we shouldn’t walk into this one with an air over confidence (not that we’d have any reason to given the month or so we’ve had) and expect to walk out of Bradford with the prize money and a place in the next round. Stockdale’s team will need to put in the graft to beat these, and avoid what could potentially be a proper ‘banana skin’.
Hopefully though, tomorrow is the start of something new. Hopefully the players will feel invigorated with a new manager in charge, hopefully we can finally get a win after 165 fucking days and hopefully, we can begin to write a new chapter in this clubs famous FA Cup history.
