Saturday 20th September 2025, Sandygate, 3pm KO

Hallam FC return to league action at Sandygate for the first time since August 25th as they host Blyth Spartans in the Northern Premier League Division One East.

The Countrymen come into the fixture following a 3–1 defeat away at Pontefract Collieries on 13th September, a match in which they finished with ten men. That result ended an unbeaten run stretching 287 days. Their last home league match was against Blyth Town, which ended in a 3–1 victory.

Blyth Spartans also lost last weekend, going down 1–0 at home to Bradford Park Avenue. This will be the first ever competitive meeting between Hallam FC and Blyth Spartans. Just one point separates the two sides in the league table.

Hallam currently sit 16th in the table, with one win, three draws and one defeat from their opening five league games. They have scored eight goals and conceded eight. With exits from the FA Cup and FA Trophy, Hallam’s season is now focused entirely on league competition.

Midfielder Brodie Litchfield is Hallam’s leading scorer with five goals in seven appearances, including goals against Blyth Town and Pontefract. Leon Howarth has provided a reliable outlet from the penalty spot and as an impact substitute, while Benni Ndlovu has contributed with both goals and assists. Together, the trio have already been involved in several three-goal team performances this season.

Four players have featured in every match so far: Jack Brownell, who has collected two yellow cards, captain Danny South, midfielder Charlie Staniland, and goalkeeper Hugo Warhurst. Hallam will be without Janni Lipka, who is suspended following his red card at Pontefract. This game will also be the first opportunity for supporters to see Hallam’s new home kit in competitive action at Sandygate, after it was unveiled earlier in the week.

Blyth Spartans are 15th in the Division One East table, having played seven games. Their record stands at two wins, one draw and four defeats. They have scored seven goals and conceded twelve, with one clean sheet to their name, which came away from home.

The team is managed by Colin Myers, who was appointed in April 2025. Goals have been spread around the squad: Benjamin Shodeinde has scored twice, while Christopher Gomez, Jack Wilson, and Patrick McClafferty have one each. Club captain Shay Richardson leads the midfield, with McClafferty known for pressing high and arriving late into attacking positions.

Defensively, Blyth have conceded on average close to two goals per match, and Myers will be looking for improvements as the season progresses.

Saturday’s fixture at Sandygate will therefore see Hallam FC and Blyth Spartans meet competitively for the first time. Hallam will be aiming to recover from defeat at Pontefract and strengthen their position in the league, while Blyth will look to respond to their defeat against Bradford Park Avenue and seek a third league victory of the season.

Match Preview by: Max Burgar-Briggs

Photo Credits: Ian Manewell