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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