The inaugural Spartans Trust ‘Play on the Pitch’ takes place tomorrow afternoon at Croft Park, as a two teams of supporters take on each other under the management of Spartans main men Shay Richardson and Dean Briggs, in a fundraiser for the football club and the family of Gray Mullen.
Team Shay
Comprised of some of Seaton Delaval’s finest along with some of the most injury prone footballers Blyth has ever provided – Team Shay may have a bit of a job on its hands against a younger and ‘slightly’ fitter Team Briggs.
The home side will of course have Gary Allan in goal, one of the more interesting goalkeepers from the old Top Club’s Sunday morning side from way back when. At nearly 60 years old, he may be a touch immobile after 20 min’s. Thankfully though he’ll have a lightly younger defence in front of him, with the likes of Dion Waterson and the devilishly handsome Tom Barton – both of whom have some experience playing in the Northern Alliance.
Hopefully Alex Harrison can limit his vodka intake this evening, being that he’s one of few players in this side that’s capable of running for more than 20 min’s. Failing that, most (if not all) of the running will have to come from former Spartans reserve Adam Uddgren, who only just meets the minimum height requirement to participate tomorrow. They’ll likely be supported in midfield (sort of) by Jack Morton – who may look like a netto version of Kai Havertz but sadly, he doesn’t play like him,.
Up top we’ll likely see the VERY dynamic and interesting forward line that includes both Jonny Lillico and Liam Allan… both of whom are very ‘keen’ to take part – however the lack of natural athleticism may mean this striking partnership only lasts 15 minutes or so. They may also be joined by Team Shay’s answer to Anthony Gordon in Matt Justice, whom one of the only players in this side who plays football on a semi regular basis.
Team Briggs
With a lot of Cram lads and some big names from Blyth, the away side will certainly have an interesting mix of players amongst their ranks. A younger and slightly more mobile set of ‘players’ captained by the defence titan that is Dan ‘Pieface’ Haldane – Team Briggs will likely go into the game as slight favorites.
Both Kirk Jobson and Nick Dormand will certainly provide some solid defencive cover at the back, both of whom are capable of putting in a tackle in – though perhaps the lack the pace to do much more anywhere else up the pitch. They’ll be joined by the interesting Owen Sellar at the back (who’s now somehow a Rugby player!?) who’s as ever – beaming with confidence.
Both Craig Whiteman and Jordan Armstrong will be required to do alot of the running midfield (mainly because they’ve both been actually training for this) to allow ‘star man’ Owen Elliot to play a bit higher up the pitch and play off striker partner and thoroughbred Target Man – Dan Hume.
The Gaffers
In the home dugout we of course have club Captain Shay Richardson – who coaches footballing basics to younger kids. So with that in mind, he’ll be well suited to coaching the home side.
In the away dugout we have Vice Captain and king of the flukey wonder goal, Dean Briggs. The son of Dunston and Ashington legend Perry Briggs from his spells managing both clubs, in theory, it should be in the blood.
However, one of the kids behind the goal at Whitby the other night reckoned he looked like Wayne Rooney who was famously dreadful as a manager – and given the fact that Briggsy has never coached anyone properly in his life, the later is probably the most likely outcome.
For those of you wishing to come down and watch what will no doubt be an interesting game of football – KO is at 3pm, and entry is pay what you like. The proceeds from tomorrow’s gate money will be going to the family of Spartans legend, Gray Mullen who sadly passed away in January of this year.
The clubhouse will be open before, during and after the match – so do join us for a drink as the lads attempt to put on a show!
If you’re looking to pick up a new home or away shirt as well, the club store will also be open between 1pm and 5pm.
