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Heaton Stannington - Blyth Spartans (NSC Semi-final: played on Wed.16th March.)..........
A local non-league Senior Cup Semi-Final won’t hit the back pages of the National press, but I thought this story is worth sharing……..Blyth Spartans are going well in a league three-steps higher than their hosts Heaton Stannington and a kind gesture was made after the final whistle.
On a calm, cold evening Spartans visited their neat and tidy ground which is tucked away in a housing estate in the East of Newcastle. The hosts tried hard - hitting the crossbar on one occasion but, as expected, the visitors ended up comfortable winners (0-6) in-front of a crowd of over 500 which was boosted by a large amount of Blyth fans. Goals from Reid, Morse, Richardson, Maguire and a double brace from Nicholson ensured another NSC Final appearance for Spartans.
However, the result is not the important point of this article. Entry to the ground was cheap (free for children) which is one of the many pleasing aspects of the occasion. A member of the home sides team arrived just 15 minutes before kick-off straight from work on a Wednesday night, exemplifying the level of commitment to a team hoping to reach the Cup Final that is held at St.James’ Park, the 52,000 capacity home of Newcastle United.
The food and drink available was good and full value for money - as provided by friendly volunteers. Any extra income is vital and more than welcome at this level so the Blyth Spartans decision not to claim their 50% share of the gate receipts was a fitting generous gesture, no doubt greatly appreciated by the home club owners of Heaton Stannington.
(Match photo taken by Mark Carruthers)
As a footnote, Blyth Spartans have had a tremendous record in cup competitions in recent history, playing against full-time professional Clubs in the more prestigious FA Cup. This includes teams from The Premiership, Championship and the Football League - although none of those occasions resulted in the lower club being offered the larger teams share of the gate money.
Well done to those in charge at Blyth Spartans for bringing about a story of good-will and generosity in these times where so much bad news associated with Football appears on the front and back pages on a weekly basis.
*The forthcoming fixtures for current table-topping Blyth Spartans over the Easter weekend are as follows*……
Sat.26th March: Away to Stamford - 3pm kick-off.
Mon.28th March: Home to Workington - 3pm kick-off.
(Heading Photo taken at a former NSC Final at St.James' Park when Blyth came out victorious: Credit to Blyth Spartans AFC/Mark Carruthers)
