Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 11, 2024 9:34 am GMT
With both teams in high spirits, Blyth Spartans are set to host Bury FC in the Second Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday afternoon. This match follows significant victories for both sides, creating an exciting atmosphere for local and traveling fans alike.
Blyth Spartans’ Recent Performance
Blyth Spartans enter this encounter after a notable midweek performance where they secured their first league victory of the season. A solitary goal from Billy Gordon marked the team’s 1-0 win over Workington AFC. This win was not only a much-needed boost but also marked a fresh start under the leadership of new permanent First Team Manager, David Stockdale.
Stockdale reflected on the team’s journey, emphasizing the importance of enjoying their hard work: “You can kind of hear it in the background; I said that they need to enjoy it. It’s been a long slug to get to this and there has been a lot of hard work.” He reassured fans that the team would be ready for the upcoming challenge, instilling a sense of optimism heading into the match against Bury.
Bury FC’s Bid for Glory
Bury FC comes into this match with a rich FA Cup history, despite facing significant challenges in recent years. After financial difficulties led to their expulsion from the Football League in August 2019, supporters established a Phoenix club, Bury AFC. The reformation culminated in the merger of Bury AFC and the original Bury FC, enabling the team to return to their historic ground, Gigg Lane, for the 2023/24 season.
Bury has demonstrated resilience in this year’s FA Cup campaign, having already made significant strides by defeating Congleton Town, Avro FC, and Garforth Town. Bury’s goalkeeping coach, Sam Ashton, expressed enthusiasm ahead of the match, highlighting the allure of competing against teams from higher divisions. “Everyone loves playing in the FA Cup… It is a free hit for us, we are a team who are below Blyth,” said Ashton.
Matchday Information
Fans eager to witness the action can purchase tickets at the gate using either cash or card, or buy them online prior to the match. For those looking to enjoy the game from the stands, seating in the Port of Blyth main stand incurs an additional charge. Attendees should be aware that there will be designated entrances for home and away supporters.
- Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
- Kickoff Time: 3:00 PM BST
- Venue: Gigg Lane, Blyth
Team News and Expectations
In terms of team selection, Blyth Spartans report no new injury concerns following their recent game against Workington AFC. This stability in squad health is expected to bolster their performance as they face a determined Bury side.
On the other hand, Bury’s roster seems equally robust, with several players shining in recent matches. Bryan Ly, Ruben Jerome, Josh Gregory, and Iyrwah Gooden all contributed to Bury’s offensive efforts in the preceding games. Despite the challenges of fixture congestion, the team has managed to maintain a fresh lineup, showcasing depth and versatility. Ashton noted, “We have a strong squad… I think it showed that we can mix it up.”
Head-to-Head History
The last encounter between Blyth Spartans and Bury FC took place in November 1995, where Blyth came out on top with a 2-0 victory at Gigg Lane during the FA Cup First Round. The long-anticipated rematch has generated significant interest, particularly given the changes each team has undergone since their last meeting.
Media Coverage and Fan Engagement
Fans unable to attend the match in person can follow all the action through Blyth Spartans’ various social media channels and listen in via BlythLive on Mixlr beginning at 2:45 PM BST. The engagement from the fanbase is expected to be lively, reflecting the club’s rich history and connection to the local community.
What’s Next?
As both teams prepare to battle it out on the pitch, the implications of this FA Cup match extend beyond just a spot in the next round. For Blyth Spartans, it represents a chance to solidify their newfound momentum, while for Bury FC, it is an opportunity to further establish their resurgence in English football.
The Emirates FA Cup is a chance for teams to chase their dreams, and this weekend’s match is exciting for fans of both clubs and football lovers everywhere. It’s going to be a tough game, showing how hard both teams will fight to move forward in the FA Cup.
