Game 33 Preview: Blyth Spartans (A)

Next up for Russ Wilcox’s Holy Blues is the first of two mammoth away days. Gainsborough Trinity travel to Blyth Spartans on Tuesday looking to extend the unbeaten run to eight games, as the manic March continues relentlessly. Following hot on the heels of Blyth Spartans, is the trip to Workington on Saturday. Two of the Blues' longest journeys of the season, shoehorned into 96 crazy hours!

Details

Trinity, with aspirations of breaking into the top ten this week and passing the 50 point threshold, haven't been helped, or rewarded for their cup successes, and putting the Pitching In Northern Premier League on the map, this season. Requests made by both Trinity and Blyth falling on deaf ears at NPL HQ. By the by, the boys know the size of the task in hand. And travel to the North East in confident fashion.

Sitting in 12th, on the same number of points as FC United of Manchester (one goal difference) in 11th, and with a couple of games in hand, the Blues could jump up to tenth, joining Hyde United and Warrington Rylands on 48 points. Potentially, eight points off the last play-off spot with nine games (27 points) left to play.

Six draws, including their last two, Blyth have become harder to beat at home. The Spartans have picked up five points from their last four home games. A win against Mickleover, followed by draws with Leek Town and Ilkeston giving some moments of positivity in a bleak season for the side from Croft Park. Averaging a goal a game from their sixteen home matches (with thirty conceded), it's clear to see why Blyth have been struggling.

Away from home, Blyth have conceded 17 in their last four. Two 5-1 defeats (including one against the Holy Blues). But, despite their struggles, Blyth have retained a healthy support, with an average crowd of 631 (the ninth best in the division).

Travelling to Blyth? General Admission is set at £15 adults, £9 concessions, £6 11-16 and students and 10 and under go free. There is a £2 premium applied for all seats in the Main Stand £17 adults, £11 concessions, £8 11-16 and students, £2 for 10 and under. Here's the address and postcode for you to find the ground. And safe travels to any of the Trinity faithful making the journey!

Croft Park
Plessey Road
Blyth
Northumberland
NE24 3JE

Unable to make the game, Rob Hughes is as ever hopeful that he will be your man on the ground, bringing you the best of the action, from the North East. Follow the links below for the links to the match commentary:

First Half Commentary:
https://gainstrinityfc.mixlr.com/events/4103433

Second Half Commentary:
https://gainstrinityfc.mixlr.com/events/4103439

Preview by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Sean Cook (Foxby Media) and Heather King