Blyth Spartans v Darlington

Saturday 28th December 2019, 3pm
Vanarama National League North

 

Blyth Spartans FC: Croft Park, Plessey Rd, Northumberland, Blyth NE24 3JE 01670 352373. Tweet: @Blyth_Spartans History: Founded in 1899, the club spent 45 years in the North Eastern League until the late 1950s. This was followed by three decades in the Northern League and 10 titles, before a push up the non-league pyramid.    FA Cup exploits include reaching the fifth round in 1977-78, beating Chesterfield and Stoke City before losing  to Wrexham in a replay in front of a huge crowd at St James's Park. After missing out on promotion the previous season, under Alun Amstrong - former Darlo striker - the club had a great run to reach Conference North in 2017 and had an impressive start before fading a little. Spartans finished 6th last season and Armstrong has now of course joined Darlo for the 2019/20 season. Record attendance: 42,167 (v Wrexham, played at Newcastle, FA Cup) Capacity: 4,335 (556 seats) Last season: 6th Honours: Northern Premier League champions 2016-17; Unibond Premier Division champions 2005-06; Unibond Div 1 champions; Northern League champions 1972-73, 1974-75, 1975-76, 1979-80, 1980-81, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1986-87, 1987-88; 1994-95; Northern Alliance champions 1908-09 and 1912-13; North Eastern League champions 1935-36 Record victory: 18-0 v Gateshead Townl (1907) Record defeat: Nickname: Spartans, Green Army Colours: Green and white Manager: Lee Clark Chairman: Tony Platten Click here for streetmap of the Blyth's ground Admission prices (2019/20) Adults £12, concessions £6 (both £2 extra in Port of Blyth stand); under 10s free if accompanied by an adult	Distance from Darlington (53 miles from Darlington, 1hr 10 mins) From the South: From the A1, take the A19 signposted Tyne Tunnel and at the second roundabout take the A189 (signposted Ashington). Then take the A189 (signposted Blyth) and follow the A1061 through various roundabouts, heading fro the town centre and industrial estate, Finally turn right onto Plessey Road and the ground is on the left. Parking: Darlington FC Supporters' Club Coach 12pm; fare: £12. Contact: Darlington FC Supporters Group, call 01325 250531 or 07951 434731 to book a seat.Details of the supporters' group travel can be found here. High Pit 01670 590999 Kings Taxis 01670 356666 Phoenix Taxis 01670 540222	There are no trains to Blyth - the last one ran in 1964. If you enjoy a laborious trip by public transport, take the train to Newcastle, the Metro to Whitley Bay and then either the 308 or 309 bus to Blyth (25 mins approx) The official site is pretty good with some useful away fan information. Visit Northumbria has tourism and accommodation details. Blyth is a pretty enough old port town, with a lighthouse, quayside and market, and which has seen a bit of regeneration.
At the ground: Situated at Croft Park, Blyth Spartans Social Club normally welcomes all fans. Checking for arrangements as this is a derby. The club has two large screen TVs and also a pool table, table football, dart board and quiz machine. Near the ground and town centre: The Wallaw, 14 Union Street, NE24 2DX Art deco Wetherspoons in a converted cinema - aims to serve 10 real ales, as well as food.  The Mason's Arms, Plessey Road 150m from the ground. There was sadly trouble here caused by so-called Darlington fans back in 2015, with damage caused. So despite being a friendly pub it's doubtful visiting fans will be welcomed back. Oliver's Bar, 60 Bridge Street, Blyth NE24 2AP A small pub with good beer at the furthest end of Plessey Road near the quayside.