The beloved Blyth Spartans ground which has played host in the past to many a successful charity match will welcome Punch-Drunk FC on May 9th as they face The North East Football Show, in a match that pits comedians and local heroes against celebrities and footballing legends.

The Blyth people are turning out in force for the match which will raise funds for treasured Blyth charity Princess Ellie’s Trust as well as other children’s charities including Caring for Kian – a cause that South East Northumberland has taken to its’ heart, helping Kian to secure half a million pounds’ worth of lifesaving Cancer treatment in the USA, in a matter of months. It will also raise funds for ENGAGE, Blyth’s own alternative education provider for disengaged teenagers, run by legendary ex-PE teacher Ian Herron.

Mr Herron, who most will remember from his 14 years teaching PE at The Blyth Academy (formerly Blyth Community College), will join a host of comedians including some of those who recently descended on Blyth to take part in Fight for Kian in February including Chris Martin, Elliot Steel and Adam Rowe – to form Punch-Drunk FC.

Able to claim helping Blyth Town FC to League victory on more than one occasion and playing at Wembley as highlights of his semi-pro football career, Mr Herron may well be the secret weapon that Punch-Drunk need to beat the visiting North East Football Show team headed by Bedlington-bred TV presenter Anthony Rutherford. They’re bringing with them sporting legends including ex Newcastle and England footballer Steve Howey, Sunderland legend Darren Holloway and ex England cricketer Steve Harmison - as well as celebs including Jake Wood (Eastenders’ Max Branning) and Newcastle actor and promoter Steve Wraith. There will be chances to meet all of these guys in the clubhouse too!

The visiting team also boast a local sporting star of their own, from Bedlington. Chris ‘Hollywood’ Dobey can most often be found these days making a name for himself on the World Darts stage. He recently made it to the Semi-final of the German Masters where he proved a tough test for World number 1 Michael van Gerwen, with many saying he forced van Gerwen to play the best darts of his career to keep the Bedlington lad from pipping him to a place in the final. It’s no wonder then, that Dobey was recently re-christened by Darts pundits as ‘The Giant Slayer.’

Next week though, he’ll be putting on his football boots to help raise money for some fantastic local causes.

Also in attendance on the night as Guests of Honour will be the lads from Blyth Town FC Under 12s, in celebration of their League win!

Gates open for a fun family evening out at 6:16pm for a 7:30pm kick-off, with pre-purchased tickets getting you in from 6pm for first dibs on the seats!

Also keep an eye out on Facebook (join the Event here - https://www.facebook.com/events/501749406663901/) for all of the developments as The Match draws closer, including chances for your little ones to win places as Mascots for both sides!

You can grab tickets for £10 general admission and £5 concessions (under 16s and over 65s):

• online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/punchdrunkcomedy (to print at home)
• from Croft Park (Blyth Spartans Football Ground, NE24 3JE) on weekday mornings (9am – 11:30am)
• or from the Punch-Drunk team at The Wallaw (Blyth Wetherspoons - NE24 2DX) Tuesday 3rd May – Friday 6th May (5pm – 8pm).