Blyth Town v Ryton and Crawcrook Albion

No Spartans Here: Ground Hopping Blyth Town FC v Ryton & Crawcrook Albion FC: EBAC Northern League Div 2: 10 August 2016

My 5 the game in 7 days saw me make a trip to Blyth, but not to see the famous Blyth Spartans, but instead their upcoming neighbours Blyth Town.

Tonight was only their second game in the Northern League for Blyth. I took advantage of a chance to meet up with Tom and take in a game.

Getting to the ground is easy. It's only a couple of miles off the main road and there is no need to go through the town centre. There is a large car park at the ground, that is free. I already had a favourable impression of the club and I had not got out of the car!

That impression improved when I reached the wooden hut that doubled as payment booth (no turnstiles here). The admission price was only £5 and then I was told that included a free drink at the bar. I like this club.

into The ground and the first thing i noticed as the fences. The fence around the ground was such that you could see through it from outside the ground. 

The fence around most of the pitch was a rather high wooden fence. This appears to be a new addition to comply with FA ground grading rules about having enclosed fences around the pitch. Oddly enough the section in front of the seats and covered standing was not enclosed. this was presumably so as not to obstruct the view of people in those stands. It seems to defeat the logic of requiring an enclosed fence if part of it is not enclosed.

the ground is very simple, a small seated stand and a small covered terracestraddle the halfway lin on  one side of the ground. The rest of the ground is open to the elements and consists of a concrete walkway roud the pitch. There are 3 floodlight pylons on either side of the pitch. I understand that planning permission for these lights was controversial as residents objected. I am not sure why as the housing is not very near the pitch at all.

The clubhouse is a modern pavillion which also houses the catering and toilet facilities.The layout of the bar is something I suspect will be looked at in future as bar did get crowded. It was great tosee the club staff all turned out in smart Blyth Town kit. Everyone was incredibly friendly and with beer  at £2.50 per pint, it was great value.

There was a good crowd of 219 for the game.The football was the one downside of the night, a scrappy 0-0 with few decent chances.

I think Blyth Town have made fantastic strides to get intothe Northern League and with the fantastic set up they have there, they will thrive.