Goalkeeper Peter Jeffries is starting to dream of writing a new chapter in one of world’s most famous non-league clubs’s history with a run in The FA Cup.
Jeffries was in goal for Blyth Spartans on Saturday as the north east side produced a thumping second-half display to record a 4-1 victory at Skelmersdale United and a spot in Monday’s Third Round Qualifying draw.
Skelmersdale Utd 1-4 Blyth Spartans
The FA Cup
Second Round Qualifying
Saturday 27 September 2014
Winning side wins £4,500
“It was quality,” Jeffries told TheFA.com following the win. “It was probably 50-50 in the first half, but we went out in the second and really raised it – we hammered them to be honest.
“We didn’t start well in the league, and Skelmersdale beat us 1-0 a few weeks ago at their place. But to return, and go out and beat them like that, it was no fluke and a great performance.”
Having defeated their Evo-Stik League Northern Premier League rivals this weekend, and overcoming a tricky tie with Darlington 1883 after a replay, Jeffries is hoping for a home draw in the next round – but with the “mad” support from the club’s fans cheering them on, he believes the Spartans have nothing to fear.
“We’ve had two tough draws. We had Darlo that went to a replay, which a strong second-half performance again saw us win 3-0, and then this. We all want a nice draw on Monday, preferably one at home,” said the 28-year-old shot-stopper.
“A couple of coaches came down, and probably about 150 fans were there yesterday, singing all the way through. They were very noisy, which they always are, and are a great group of supporters.
Blyth Spartans took on Blackburn Rovers in 2008/09
“It gives you an extra lift, and shows us that they are there for us. It keeps you going all the time, gets you focussed and most importantly it makes you want to win. They’ve travelled over two hours to come and support you, so you don’t want to let them down.”
Blyth are something of a legend when it comes to FA Cup giantkillings. They have reached The First Round on 31 occasions, and many fans remember their remarkable journey to The Fifth Round in 1978 – taking Wrexham to a replay before being defeated 2-1 at neighbours Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park.
The club have continued their Cup traditions into the new millennium, and in 2008/09 they knocked out Shrewbury Town and AFC Bournemouth before bowing out 1-0 at home to then Premier League Blackburn Rovers in The Third Round.
“It’s what we are most famous for at Blyth – The FA Cup”
Peter Jeffries
Blyth Spartans goalkeeper
Now with only two ties to go until the Football League’s sides get involved, Jeffries is starting to dream of writing a new chapter in the history books at Croft Park.
“It’s what they are most famous for at Blyth – The FA Cup. The club has great history in the competition, and all the fans go mad for it,” he explained.
“You aim for the First Round. Obviously it is hard as you have four games to get through, so we are just waiting to see who we get in the draw and go from there. It’s a cliche, but you take each game as it comes.”
He added: “Everything about the place is fantastic. The ground is spot on, all the fans are brilliant and it’s just a great club to be at. You know you are at a proper club.
“It’s a chance to create and put yourself into Blyth’s history. Everyone goes on about the FA Cup here, they all want a good run, hopefully we can give them one.”
Jeffries and his Blyth Spartans colleagues will discover who they face next when the draw for the Third Round Qualifying takes place at Wembley on Monday morning.
