Derby day against Spartans heralds a new era for the Quakers

BLYTH Spartans take on Darlington in a National League North derby tomorrow with a big crowd expected at Croft Park.

It will be a first game in charge for new Darlington boss Tommy Wright, Blyth counterpart Alun Armstrong having being linked to the post.

That will add spice to a derby that will involve crowd segregation, Quaker’s fans expected to travel in numbers.

A home win will take Blyth nine points clear of mid-table Darlington and will retain third spot in the table.

Armstrong said: “Local derbies are always keenly fought affairs and Darlington will be lifted by their win last week and the appointment of a new manager.

“We have been going well, though losing at Brackley was disappointing as they are in and around us in the table.”

Darlington have won only once on their travels, on the opening day at title favourites Salford City, while Blyth have won four and lost four at home.

It’s all or nothing for Armstrong’s men who, along with Telford, are the only side still to draw in the sixth tier of English football.

Thirteen-goal top scorer Dan Maguire, injured at Brackley last weekend, has been selected in the England C squad against Slovakia.

The International Challenge trophy Final takes place in Ziar Nad Hronom on Wednesday 8th November, with Maguire in a squad of 16.

“Maguire has deserved his call up,” added Armstrong.

“He’s followed up last season’s Golden Boot with 13 goals already this season.

“He is a player who can move into the Football League, but at the moment he’s a Blyth player and I’m confident the goals will continue to flow.” SOUTH Shields face a tough test as they look to take another step on the road to Wembley.

The Mariners travel to Evo-Stik League high-fliers Farsley Celtic in the FA Trophy’s first qualifying round tomorrow.

The West Yorkshire outfit sit fourth in the Evo-Stik’s top-tier and will provide a stern examination for the Mariners, who will hand a late fitness test to ex-Sunderland midfielder Julio Arca.

Northern League Division One leaders Morpeth Town are missing injured midfielder Ben Sayer for their trip to Team Northumbria.

Sayer is out for “several weeks” after having an operation on a groin injury.

Marske United lie in secondplace and are eight points behind the Highwaymen.

However, Carl Jarrett’s side hold four games in hand on Morpeth and will hope to close the gap when they host Ryhope CW.

Ben Harmison could make his North Shields debut against West Auckland Town after joining from Ashington last week.

Dunston UTS are boosted by the return of Scott Heslop, Dan Lowther and Aidan Grant for their home game against Newcastle Benfield.

Captain Dale Burrell is still out injured for Chris Swailes’ side.

Shildon could move into the top three with a win at home to struggling Washington and Jarrow Roofing look for a first win in four games as they travel to Guisborough Town.

Whitley Bay hope to have Aiden Haley back in contention as they entertain Newton Aycliffe, although Thibault Charmey and Tom Flynn are still out.

Seaham Red Star could hand a debut to new signing Alex Ramshaw as they go to bottom cub Billingham Synthonia.

The Synners are without the injured Lee Hume and Tom Gavin.

Tom Coulthard and Fred Woodhouse are unavailable for Stockton Town’s trip to Bishop Auckland.

Steve Bowey takes charge of his first league game as Ashington manager as they travel to Sunderland RCA and Penrith host Consett at Frenchfield Park.

In Division Two, Jon McDonald and Ian Skinner take charge of Blyth AFC for the first time as they welcome Tow Law Town.

The Braves are without defender Danny Sayer, who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.