Hebburn Town host Blyth Spartans in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon, just seven days before they begin their debut campaign in the Pitching In NPL Premier Division. It’s been a tough pre-season for the lads so far. Winning one, drawing one and losing five of their seven fixtures.

On Thursday night, the Hornets were narrowly beaten two-one by a Sunderland AFC XI. Ben Middlemas gave Sunderland the lead in the second minute, chipping over Kieran Hunter from close range.

Hebburn then found themselves level courtesy of Michael Turner, but the Black Cats were able to retake the lead thanks to Trey Ogunsuyi’s strike just four minutes into the second half. Ogunsuyi then had the opportunity to pull Sunderland further ahead, but his penalty was saved by Hunter.

Overall, it was an entertaining game
and another good workout as the league season edges closer.

The Spartans suffered defeat at the hands of Consett AFC last Saturday. Goals from Calvin Smith and Wil Shaw inflicted another pre-season defeat on Nolberto Solano’s side.

Pre-Match Thoughts

Manager Daniel Moore spoke post-match after the defeat to Sunderland and was asked for his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

Moore commented, “It will be a totally new team, we’ll be bringing in some under 18s, some reserve players as it’s just about minutes
on Saturday, making sure everyone comes through injury-free. Then, we’re good to go.”

Venue

The match will be played at the Hebburn Sports Ground, NE31 1UN. Ticket prices are £5 adults, £3 concessions, £1 under 16s and free for under 12s.

By Dan Carlton