Spartans are back in FA Trophy once again tomorrow at Chorley, one of the most boring and difficult draws available to us given that it feels like we’ve face them 78387223 times away from home in the last 4/5 years or so. In fairness though, Chorley’s ground is canny and the locals are decent. Plus our record isn’t all that bad their.
After drawing 1-1 with Blyth back in November, Chorley have only manged to play once since then due to weather, that being a 2-2 draw away Boston United where Nolan and Ubaezunounu (chirst knows if thats spelt right) bagged 2 very late goals to snatch a point. In the previous round of the trophy, they edged past Scarbados 1-0 thanks to a Popoola goal.
As for team news we know nout about them in respect of injuries etc. However, this season Dutch winger Justin Johnson has been Chorley’s star man, netting 8 goals in 19 league games. The journeyman winger has had more clubs than Hendy’s had jobs but clearly, he seems to be settled now. Forward Jack Sampson will also pose a threat through the middle, as will attacking minded midfielder Jack Hazlehurst who’s already scored 4 goals in 16 games. As ever goalkeeper Matt Urwin will be tough to beat. Considered one of the best in the league, he’s recently went just under 400 munities of football without conceding a goal before Nicky Deverdics put an end to that run.
For Spartans, box to box midfielder Jordan Hickey has been out with a reported knee injury for nearly a month now and his presence in the centre of midfield has certainly been missed. No word yet on if Jord bas been involved in training lately, nor if JJ Hooper is near return. Elliot Forbes and Rhys Evans are now back in the starting XI after recovering from injuries, however centre mid Harry Arnison has missed the last few games, presumably with injury. Thankfully though we’ve got big Mika, the solution to all of life’s problems.
Fan Info
Tickets for tomorrow can be purchased here. It’s strongly recommended you buy them online in advance as ticket prices online are as follows. Adults – £14, Concession – £11 and U18 – £5. Where as on the gate, prices jump up to Adults – £18, Concession – £15 and U18 – £7.
As always Chorley’s club will be quite welcoming to away fans. They even have a ‘happy hour’ on in the social club between 1pm and 2pm though, I’ve ne idea what that includes. Drink deals? Strippers? Only one way to find out really.
As for other local pubs, Spartans fans are welcome in just about everywhere. We’ve been advised that the White Bull will be happy to have any away fans in, as will our usual pub the Duke of York which is right round the corner from the ground.
Chorley also now have a fanzone at the ground and have got some sort of new food supplier in now which looks canny.
Betting Preview
Difficult to get much on this one as it’s the FA Trophy, but again Odd’s checker came through with the goods (sort of). Personally I’d fancy a bet on Blyth to just progress be it during 90 min’s or a penalty shootout but I can’t seem to find odds on that sadly.
Safe travels to anyone making the trip tomorrow!
#HowayBlyth