Blyth Spartans Association Football Club is an association football club based in Blyth, Northumberland. They are currently members of the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of English football, and play at Croft Park.
They were founded in September 1899 by Fred Stoker, who was the club's first secretary before forming a practice as a distinguished physician in London's Harley Street. He thought it appropriate to name the team after the Greek Spartan army in the hope that the players would give their all as they went into 'battle' on the field of play. The club is most notable for its 1977–78 FA Cup campaign, in which they went all the way to the fifth round, eventually losing to Wrexham in a replay at St James' Park.
Blyth Spartans have reached the first round proper of the FA Cup 31 times; the second round 14 times; the third round 4 times, the fourth and fifth rounds once.
I've been going to games on and off for 60 years, including a good few where I had a season ticket.
Nice to see them on a bit of a rise again after a few seasons just trying to survive.
Great little ground with a terrific atmosphere, just what lower league football is all about. A bit foggy for a while last night but it cleared and the result was excellent 👌
Tickets can be purchased online or on the day. Check website for full details. Mainly on street parking. Refreshments are available in the ground and adjoining club. Covered spectator accommodation including one grandstand with seats. Not far from the beach! Excellent grass playing surface.
Visited the stadium last night to take in a league game against Farsley Celtic. Friendly club and decent stadium. Social club was great as well. Will visit again next time I’m in the North East.
Found the staff extremely friendly and helpful, with 2 stewards even walking us back to our car when there was a report of some trouble (we didn’t experience any). Fans not segregated and mixed well with plenty of friendly banter. Didn’t try the food but hot drinks were delicious.
The stands[edit] Wheelchair Enclosure Small covered enclosure provided by Artic Windows. Has space for three wheelchairs and is elevated to provide good views of the pitch. Access is via a ramp and is located next to the disabled toilets. Located just to the side of the Main Stand.
Port of Blyth (Main) Stand Two tier all seater stand and mostly under cover (about 30 seats in the open and just over 530 covered), runs about a quarter the pitch length. Houses the changing rooms, kit room, sponsors' lounge, study support centre, players' lounge, directors' box, press seating and offices.
Tynetec Stand Southernmost stand and covered, has the formerly imposing Patterson House residential care home just behind it. Can hold about 1,200 on eight steps of terracing. Formerly sponsored by Carlsberg (2007–2010), it is now sponsored by Tynetec.
Fergy Space Stand The oldest stand at Croft Park, over 70 years old. Located opposite the Port of Blyth Stand on the west side of Croft Park. It has been said it has its own rather chilly micro climate because of the lack of direct sunlight it receives.
Provides cover for about 1,200, the terracing is a lot shallower than the rest of the ground and has views restricted by concrete walls on either side which close off former ash terracing.
Formerly sponsored by Dunston-based Federation Brewery which is where its usual name – 'the Fed Shed' comes from. Now sponsored by Cramlington Caravans although it is still sometimes referred to by its former name.
The stand is currently undergoing refurbishments.
24 Seven Claims Stand Covered terrace located at the northern end of Croft Park and just off Kingsway Road (which runs parallel to Princess Louise Road). Identical to the Plessey Road Terrace in that it has eight steps of terracing and can hold about 1,200. There are also another couple of turnstiles behind this terrace but these are closed off and unused.
The areas at the side of the Port of Blyth Stand and the Broadway Stand are flat uncovered standing areas.