Spartans set for north-east derby day at Victoria Park

Thursday 04 Dec 2014
Blyth Spartans make the short trip to Hartlepool for Friday's FA Cup tie
Blyth Spartans are getting accustomed to mixing it with the big boys, and Friday night could see them create a new chapter in their club's incredible history. 

Their north-east derby at Hartlepool, due to be broadcast live on television, has the potential for the new generation at Blyth to put their own faces up on the wall of fame.

Blyth's most recent cup exploits came in the 2008-09 season when they reached the Third Round Proper, losing narrowly 1-0 at home to Sam Allardyce's then Premier League side Blackburn Rovers.

Hartlepool United v Blyth Spartans

The FA Cup
Second Round Proper
7.45pm, Friday 5 December 2014
Victoria Park, Hartlepool
Winners receive £27,000 from prize fund
Live on BBC2

Spartans are currently sitting 19th in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division but their passion for The FA Cup almost defies belief.

Their opponents are not fairing particularly well in the league either, sitting six points away from safety at the foot of the Football League without a win since early October.  

And Spartans manager Tom Wade cannot wait for the game to start but is under no illusion that it will be a walk in the park for his impressive squad. 

Wade, 55, said: "We're a pretty attacking side, but they're a professional team. We'll try and stay relaxed and keep it going for the second half.

"It's especially hard playing on a Friday with everyone working in the morning but without it we might not be on TV. This is it for us. This could be our career. It'd be enormous for any non-League club." 

It also would be an early birthday present for Wade, who turns 56 on Thursday, if his side were to reach Monday's Third Round draw, especially if they were to be paired with a Premier League side. 

"If we get through, you'd want a favourite, either Newcastle at home or Chelsea or Manchester United away," he added. 

Blyth Spartans have a famous FA Cup history

"It's important we focus, but we can dream."

The Spartans boss is also hoping star man Robbie Dale will be fit for the game but insisted his side's chances do not rely on their goalscorer, who has netted in every round so far. 

Wade concluded: "Robbie is unique, he's probably just a bit nervous. We'll leave him alone and it's all about on the day. He's one of the best non-League players in the country. At 32, teams still put two or three men on him but we're not a one-man team.

"Football is a hobby but to play in the best competition in the world is an honour."

By FA Staff