The Isuzu FA Trophy

Blyth Spartans can cope with four-pronged Cup campaign

Friday 14 Nov 2014
Blyth Spartans are still involved in four Cup competitions

After the FA Cup heroics against Altrincham, Blyth Spartans remain in four cup competitions and intend to keep it that way after Saturday's FA Trophy clash.

The Spartans have drawn a north-east derby away to Hartlepool in the FA Cup – a game that will be broadcast live on BBC Two. 

However, club secretary Ian Evans says his team will be focusing on the competition they feel they have a genuine chance of winning, before attention turns to the FA Cup tie.

Blyth Spartans v Halesowen Town

The FA Trophy
Second Qualifying Round
3pm, Saturday 15 November
Croft Park, Blyth
Winners receive £3,250 from FA Prize Fund

 "I think any non-League side has a chance of winning the Trophy," said Evans. 

"It is all the lads' dream to play at Wembley and they know it is their best chance of winning something."

Blyth reached the Fifth Round of the FA Cup 36 years ago. 

More recently, in 2009, the Northumberland outfit reached the Third Round after eliminating Shrewsbury Town and Bournemouth – before losing to a single goal at home to Premier League Blackburn.

"I think it is just something special with the club," Evans added. 

"It's the magic of the FA Cup; everyone was fantastic last weekend and we are really looking forward to the short trip to Hartlepool next round."

The Hartlepool game will be the fifth away game out of a possible sixth for Tom Wade's side. 

With the Green Army having played far fewer league games than any other side in the Northern Premier Division, the matches will be coming thick and fast at Croft Road. 

Evans believes this will not be a problem for the team. 

“We have a young squad and I know most of them would prefer to play four times a week rather than train”

Ian Evans Blyth Spartans club secretary

He explained: "We have a young squad and I know most of them would prefer to play four times a week rather than train. 

"The only thing I would worry about is if we pick up a few injuries but we can call upon people if we need to so I'm confident we can cope."

West Midlands side Halesowen have also had some success in the FA competitions. 

They won the FA Vase in consecutive seasons in 1985 and 1986, and in 2005 they made the FA Cup First Round, losing 1-0 to Yeading.

The game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 15 November. Click here for ticket and travel information.

By FA Staff