Blyth on the trail of a giant-killing

Dec 1 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

NON-LEAGUE Blyth Spartans’ FA Cup dream is still alive, with the club landing a potential third round clash with Premier League giants Blackburn Rovers.

The North East outfit earned a second round replay against League Two side Bournemouth with a hard-fought 0-0 draw on Saturday.

And now the Spartans have the incentive of a home match against one of only four clubs to have won the English Premier League if they win the rematch a week tomorrow.

Yesterday’s third round draw had a special significance for assistant boss Graham Fenton, who spent two years at Blackburn as a player. “I was over the moon with the draw,” he said. “It’s huge for the lads but we have got to concentrate on the replay against Bournemouth.

“Personally, It would be great – I’ve already spoken to a couple of lads from Blackburn, friends from the area, so it’s a really good draw.

“The players are all over the moon but we can’t get too excited. Bournemouth is on our minds first and they will find the atmosphere very different when they come up – the Blyth fans will be right on top of them.”

Spartans’ general manager Ian Evans said he thought it unlikely the Blackburn game would be played in Blyth were they to progress.

“If we were to get through, I don’t think it would be played at Croft Park but I will be having discussions with the FA about that this week,” he said.

“We are delighted about it. We’ve still got a difficult match with Bournemouth because it’s an incentive for them as well.

“Every team at our level were hoping for a Premier League team and we’ve got one. What can I say? It’s great.”

Saturday’s result on the south coast revived memories of Blyth’s magnificent run to the fifth round of the cup in 1978. Victory over Blackburn – 118 places above them in the league pyramid – would rival that achievement.

The Blue Square North side met Bournemouth in front of a 5,000 strong crowd – including 300 fans who made the long trip from Northumberland.

They were under a lot of pressure in the second half at the Fitness First Stadium and it took two great saves from keeper Mark Bell to keep them in the draw for the third round.

Blyth striker Shaun Reay said the players were confident they could beat Bournemouth in the replay to reach what he admitted would be the biggest game of most of the Blyth players’ lives.

“The lads are really excited about it. Hopefully we will win against Bournemouth – the lads all think we can do it.”