FACT FILE
THE VISITORS
In the beginning , the club played only friendly matches before joining the East Northumberland League in 1901 . The club joined the Northern Alliance , remaining there for six seasons winning the league in 1908 – 09 and 1912 – 13 .
In 1913 the club moved upward joining the ranks of the semi-professionals in the North Eastern League and remained there until it folded in 1958 .
After the demise of the North Eastern League the club tried their luck in the Midland League and Northern Counties League , both ending when the leagues folded .
In 1964 , Spartans decided to turn amateur and join the ranks of the Northern League . During the 29 years the club were members , their record was second to none , winning the Championship on ten occasions .
However , a new regime at the club were keen to progress up the league pyramid and a successful push ended with promotion to the Northern Premier League in the 1993 – 94 season . The club ’ s first season in the Northern Premier League was memorable , winning the First Division Championship
In their first season in the Conference North , Blyth finished seventh ,
FACT FILE
Nickname : The Spartans
Founded : 1899
Stadium : Croft Park
Manager : Alun Armstrong
but had to fight hard to retain their league status for the next two consecutive seasons . However they won just seven games in their 2011- 12 campaign , and were duly relegated .
Quality players were not immediately replaced at Croft Park , and the Spartans would return to the NPL with an underwhelming 16th place finish .
M att Bell in ac tion in a 2 - 1 defeat to Blyth last Januar y .
Since the arrival of Tom Wade , the club became staples in the top half ( 8th in 2014 and 6th in 2015 ), lifted the Senior Cup in 2014-15 , and were on the cusp of promotion only to suffer a heartbreaking defeat to Workington in the play-off semi-final .
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