Football Focus Issue 54 | Page 7

Blyth Spartans The joy of watching his team perform must have been amplified considerably when they converted four goals against Altrincham F.C in a 4-1 win in the FA Cup first round proper, and even more so in the following round. The second round proper of the FA Cup saw a true David and Goliath story as the underdogs Blyth Spartans managed to overcome SkyBet League Two side Hartlepool United F.C in a massive 2-1 win away from home at Victoria Park. Unfortunately the team were unable to make it past the third round proper, as the hotly contested game with Birmingham City F.C saw Blyth Spartans on the wrong end of a 3-2 result. Despite the third round proper exit, the FA Cup run has ensured the club has enjoyed “a successful season” and has resulted in the players’ mood at Croft Park being “exceptional”. While the club were unable to secure the FA Cup, what they have managed to do is book their place in the final of the Northumberland Senior Cup, which means that their players’ final game this season will most likely be the final played at the famous St James’ Park: home of Premier League club Newcastle United F.C. That said, the final is still some time away, and now that the team is not competing in the FA Cup, they can focus their attention on the league. When asked what the club is hoping to achieve for the rest of the season Evans replied that, “although it will be difficult task, the club are still aiming for a play-off spot.” The ultimate goal will be for promotion back to the Conference North, where they were last playing during the 2011/12 season before