Scarbados (12/8/23) – PREVIEW/SUPPORTER INFO

Another matchday is almost upon us, with our first midweek fixture of the season pitting us against Scarborough Athletic. Sadly once again, it isn’t a sunny bank holiday clash and with it being a Tuesday night, the chances of getting into any pubs are silm to fucking none.

Blyth haven’t won their opening 3 league games since 2006, securing their 3rd victory of the season at in a home clash with Alfreton Town as Sir Robbie Dale, Alex Gildea and Pete Snowdon smashed 3 past Alfreton Town at Croft Park in front of a crowd of 561 to send Spartans to the top of the then Nationwide Conference North.

As for ticketing news, it’s bad news I’m afraid. The away end has been shifted to the uncovered area behind the goal. Meaning we have absolutely no terracing or seating in the ‘away end’ and won’t be allowed any alcohol, and will likely end up with the same basic shitey bait they had on offer last season. Like last season we’ll enter through the ‘swimming pool turnstile’ highlighted in red below.

Tickets can be purchased here – https://scarboroughathleticfc.ktckts.com/event/sca2324h02/blyth-spartans

It should also be noted that away supporters aren’t allowed in the The Clubhouse Bar or the Fanzone/Victory Bar at the ground. The only place away fans would be welcome to drink is the Scholar’s Bar, which is a real ale pub a short walk from the ground. I don’t even think were allowed in their club shop?

For parking, if you land early enough you should be able to park up in at the Leisure Centre where the away turnstiles are. Once that area is full, from memory some very arsey stewards/car park attendants will shout utter nonsense and point in random directions on the main road to ‘suggest’ areas to park up at. Avoid eye contact with these people at all costs.

As for Scarborough, they’ve have a mixed start to the season as they suffered defeat on the opening day to Peterborough Sports before thrashing Banbury 3-0 on Saturday, with Frank Mulhern and Curtis Durose sealing the win. As well as Mulhern, Luca Colville will likely cause headaches for either full back. Bailey Gooda is a solid centre back who will be hard to get past, as will midfield pair Lewis Maloney and former Darlington player of the year Alex Purver.

Ryan Qualter, Alex Wiles, Michael Coulson (not our General Manager) and Ashley Jackson remain on the treatment table for the Seadurgs.

As for Spartans, Jack Bodenham’s red card won’t kick in until Saturday. Harry Arnison likely won’t be back in time for tomorrow though. I’d suspect that we’ll go into tomorrow’s game with the same starting XI from Saturday. It would be harsh to change a winning side but the lads were down a man for most of the game at Warrington, so we may need to change the line up a bit to keep everyone fit.

As for coverage, you can listen to ‘This is the Coast’ who’ll be providing full of the match here.

The game is also being streamed live on National League TV for £9.50, which you can order here.