Northumberland Senior Cup preview: Blyth Spartans – Newcastle Benfield
Newcastle Benfield look to reach the semi-finals of the Northumberland Senior Cup as they take on last season’s finalists Blyth Spartans at Croft Park this evening.
Head-to-head
This will be the fourth game between the two sides in the competition, the Lions only visit to Croft Park saw Benfield win 2-1 back in 2011.
Several current and former Benfield players are familiar with the Spartans.
Lions manager Paul Brayson spent two years at Blyth under head coach Mick Tait between 2009 and 2011. In his debut season, he finished as the Conference North’s top scorer with 28 goals.
Benfield forward Jay Errington is also part of the Blyth alumni, playing for the Spartans in last season’s Senior Cup final.
Current Spartans defender Rhys Evans had a spell at Benfield before leaving in 2019.
Form
Blyth currently sit 14th in the National League North table, with just one win in their last five league games. Their lone win came against Rushall Olympic on Saturday. Despite the bad run of form, the Spartans Green Army have scored 11 goals in their last five league games. Spartans begin their Senior Cup campaign after reaching the final last season, narrowly losing out to Morpeth Town.
Brayson’s Benfield side has a similar story when it comes to form, winning just one of their last five league games. Their most recent win was a 7-1 thrashing of Northallerton Town on November, 25. The Lions have netted 10 times in their last five games. The Lions started their Senior Cup campaign with a 3-2 win against local rivals Heaton Stannington.
Where can you watch the game?
Fans can watch the game at Croft Park on Monday, March 4 with kick-off at 7:30pm.
𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 🏆
🆚 @NBFC_Official
🗓 Monday 4th March
⏱ 19:30
🏟 Croft Park
📍 NE24 3JE
🎟 £8, £4, FREE (cash/card payments at the turnstiles and online)#HowayBlyth 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/02tZBfDAed— Blyth Spartans (@Blyth_Spartans) March 3, 2024
Ticket information
Admission prices are £8 for adults and £4 all concessions.
Manager’s thoughts
Newcastle Benfield manager Paul Brayson spoke ahead of the game, he said: “I really enjoyed my two years at Blyth under Mick Tait, so going back as a manager in the quarter-finals of the Senior Cup is fabulous for the club and for myself on a personal level.
“The lads are looking forward to it, and it should be a really good game of football for both sets of fans.”
