Since we last met just over 12 months ago, it’s been all change down at North Shields.
A new chairman, a new manager, a new committee and entirely new team now await our visit on Tuesday night, as the Robins embark on a new chapter in their history – now tied together with North Shields Athletic and working in conjunction with their Supporters Association.
In the dugout at Ralph Gardner Park is former Spartans centre back, Brian Smith. Flanked by former Spartans manager and player Steve Cuggy, as well as Andy Bowman. The Big Chief was a big part of Harry Dunn’s team that won the NPL back in 2006, making over 50 appearances for the club between 2004 and 2006.
After a spell in charge of Newcastle Blue Star last season, Bri took on the mammoth task of rebuilding North Shields back in December 2023, assembling an entirely new squad to pull them through a huge backlog of games. Despite the changes and upheaval behind the scenes, Bri was about to lead The Robins to a 14th place finish in the league.
North Shields have a whole host of ex Spartans in their ranks, including Lee Mason, Alex Nicholson, Ben Harmison, Adam Forster, Daryll Donnelly, Dean & Jamie Holmes – the later of whom joins The Robins after a short spell at Blue Star, following an extended break from football due to injury.
So far this summer, Shields’ big summer incomings have been former Darlington and Sunderland full back Liam Marrs, Ashington’s Danny Anderson, Finn Hodgson who returns from Bedlington, former NUFC academy player Lewis Suddick and (of course) Jamie Holmes.
With the club now stable and having assembled a canny squad, Bri and co will no doubt be targeting a top half finish – and possibly even a play off spot this season.
So far this summer, Shields have faced off against newly promoted Alnwick Town (played at North Shields Athletic) where they lost 3-2. They also took on local side Percy Main on Saturday in the Gary Hull Memorial Cup, winning 4-0 with goals from Kyle Downey, Lewis Suddick, Lee Mason and Will Camley.
Blyth Team News
By the time Tuesday comes around, the arrivals of goalkeeper Harrison Bond and defender Will Constantin should be confirmed – taking us to 12 players in total. As for trialists, former Hebburn forward David Allasan will likely feature again, as will Michael Ndiweni. We may see Gee Baltazar feature again, though it’ll be a mystery as to what position he plays in. We may also see full back Henry Harvey and midfielder Marcello Benidetti again.
Former North Shields goalkeeper Olly Marshall also trained with us on Saturday. This is the 3rd summer he’s linked up with Spartans, with the previous 2 seasons done purely to maintain his fitness before he headed back out to the USA.
Harrison Clark missed Saturday’s game with an injury, so it’s likely he won’t be risked again on Tuesday. If he is fit though, he’ll likely only get a short run out. Nicky Deverdics may also be in contention to feature after missing the Benfield game due to a knock.
Fan Info
If you’re planning on driving over for the game, getting parked up around the ground is easy enough. You’ll have no chance of getting parked up in the club’s car park unless you arrive dead early, so you’ll likely be parked on the road going to the ground (Silkey’s Lane)
As for the public transport from Blyth, you’re best off jumping on the 308 (which is still capped at £2 I think) and getting off at Whitley Bay – before jumping on the Metro. That should take roughly 10 mins to get to the Meadow Well metro station, and the walk to the ground from there should take about 5 minutes – providing you aren’t mugged or stabbed by one of the locals.
As for pubs, the clubhouse at Shields should do the job. The beer was rather cheap last time, and it’s open from 5pm, so you can’t really go wrong there. The old flying bar stool in the Meadow Well is long gone, sadly. The only other bar within walking distance would be the Chirton Social Club, which is only a 5 minute walk up Silkey Lane.
Can’t say I’ve ever had scran there, but I believe the old burger van from Spartans (made famous by footy scran) used to do bait there as well, though I’ve ne idea if they’re still there.
As for admission prices, you can find those below. Shields only take cash on the gate for entry, but you will still be able to use your card in the clubhouse.
Adults – £5
Concession – £2
Accompanied U16 – Free
