We’re back at Nethermoor on Saturday for our first Emirates FA Cup home fixture of the season so far with Blyth Spartans the visitors for the 3pm kick-off in the third round qualifying.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance here or on the day at the turnstiles with payment being by cash only, it is also cash payments inside the ground for programmes, food and drink and 50/50 cash draw tickets. Season tickets are not valid for this fixture.
Marcus Bignot and Russ O’Neill will be looking for a return to winning ways after Saturday’s defeat at Boston United but face a tough test in Blyth Spartans who overcame a tricky replay at FC United of Manchester to set up the tie.
Blyth won 2-0 at Broadhurst Park after a 1-1 draw at their Croft Park home but they come into the cup tie off of a 5-1 away defeat at Chester on Saturday. They occupy 13th place in the Vanarama National League North with nine points coming from two wins and three draws. Both their victories have come at Croft Park with Saturday’s loss their second on the road this campaign.
The Lions are four points and four places behind Spartans with just the one league victory this season so far and two draws.
Jamie Spencer has started the last two fixtures and is expected to be available for Saturday’s game with Andy Kellett the only injury doubt going into the weekend whilst Jordan Thewlis will be eyeing his third goal in as many games.
Speaking after Saturday’s loss at Boston United Joint Manager Marcus Bignot said “It is a disappointing result but on reflection of the performance I thought we put the good things into practice today. The players got to their ability and there is a process for that during a game, for you to get on the ball and show your ability it means that you are working hard and work hard off the ball too.”
“A lot of the boys excelled this afternoon but one or two just fell below the standard which you would expect with where we are in this league with regards budget and we are bringing up players which we have to improve and get results at the same time.”
Speaking about the equalising goal Marcus added “Jordan Thewlis got to his ability today, he looked a threat all game but you saw the naivity of us in terms of equalising and within a minute we were chasing the game again. Lessons learnt and we have to learn them quickly, hopefully we can take them into the Emirates FA Cup tie with Blyth.”
Looking ahead to the visit of Blyth Bignot said “It is massive for us, as well as the romance of it, the opportunity for the players to make names for themselves and the football club to put themselves on the map, financially the deeper you go the greater the rewards.”
“It will be a very difficult tie against a very good team but the last two weeks we have turned a corner massively as you are seeing us on the ball more often.”
Tickets can be purchased online in advance here or on the day at the turnstiles with payment being by cash only.
