MATCH PREVIEW: The hundred years war

Reds will host Blyth Spartans on Saturday in a fixture that goes back over a hundred years.

The long-standing rivalry began during the 1921-22 season during the North Eastern Era and the Premier Division encounter at Borough Park will be the 75th meeting between the clubs in various competitions.

Both clubs have experienced a difficult first half to the season, due to different circumstances, but believe they are now in a better place and recent results would suggest they have the potential to move up the table.

In Blyth’s case, that is the only option at the moment.  They are at the foot of the table with just eleven points, fourteen behind Reds who are currently 12th.

Mick Connor, a Blyth Spartans fan and the former Blyth Town manager, became the third person to occupy the Croft Park hot seat this season, succeeding ‘Nobby’ Solano and David Stockdale, when he took over last month.

Spartans have recorded just two wins so far – a home success at our expense three months ago and a fine 3-0 victory at Stockton.  They have also picked up points from two excellent draws at Ashton United (2-2) and Guiseley (0-0).

Their 1-0 victory over Reds was secured thanks to Billy Gordon’s second half goal in September – our sixth successive NPL reverse at Croft Park!

Famed FA Cup fighters over the years, Spartans fell to Bury, at home, in this year’s competition.

Mark Fell will be pleased to see our injury list has halved in recent weeks but won’t rush players back into action until their rehab is complete.

After taking Macclesfield to the wire last week, the home support will be hoping the team can return to winning ways but, regardless of the respective league standings of Macc and Blyth, Saturday’s encounter will be just as tough as last week.

Kick-off: 3pm

• With this being the final home game before Christmas, supporters are reminded that there is a good selection of merchandise available from the Club Shop, situated in the Tony Hopper Bar.  Most of the items are suitable for the Reds fan in your life as presents or ‘stocking-fillers’ including calendars, numerous clothing items and Christmas cards etc.