SIR ALF AND THE SPARTANS

February 27th 1963: Alf Ramsey took charge of England for the first time, away to France in a European Nations Cup tie. England lost 5-2 with just two of the team that were to win the World Cup in 1966 – Bobby Moore and Bobby Charlton. Alf became Sir Alf later!

and on 27th February 1978:
The top clubs can win the FA Cup by playing just 6 matches over 6 rounds (3rd Rd to Final). That’s not the case for non-league clubs! Back in the 1977/78 season, Northern League Blyth Spartans became only the third non-league club to reach the 5th round (last 16) of the competition since the Second World War with doubtless their dreams not being of Wembley but of playing a top side, away from home. 

They had started their FA Cup campaign that season in the First Qualifying Round played on September 17th v Shildon winning 0-3. Next (QR2) came a 1-1 draw at local club Crook Town, winning the replay 3-0. Then nearby Consett (QR3) were hosts losing 1-4 to the Spartans. A visit to Bishop Auckland came next in QR4 with a 0-1 win. Blyth hosted Burscough (Lancs) in Round One-a 1-0 win. It was a home tie against Chesterfield in Rd 2 a 1-0 win. Rd 3 brought Enfield to Blyth- a1-0 win.

Round Four saw Blyth beat Stoke City away 2-3. Then in Round 5, Blyth was drawn against Wrexham.

This cup tie was their last match after over 5 months, played on 27th February. It was Blyth's 11th fixture in the competition over 9 rounds. Blyth were cruelly robbed of a dream "local derby" tie with the 5th Round draw being Blyth away to the winners of a replay between their near neighbours Newcastle United and Wrexham - BUT the Welshmen won. 

There was some consolation, Blyth continued their success with a draw at Wrexham 1-1 and the home replay was switched to St James’ Park. 

An amazing crowd of 42,167 witnessed the match and despite being beaten 2-1 and missing out on a home 6th Round tie against Arsenal what amazing memories they had. 

Wrexham lost at home to The Gunners 2-3. Arsenal beat Orient in the semi-final 3-0 and lost to Ipswich 1-0 in the Final. That’s what is called the magic of the FA Cup.

Blyth Spartans Association Football Club based in Blyth Northumberland. They are currently members of the National League North, the sixth tier of English football, and play at Croft Park.

The club was founded in September 1899 by Fred Stoker, who was the club's first secretary before forming a practice as a distinguished physician in London's Harley Street. He thought it appropriate to name the team after the Greek Spartan army. in the hope that the players would give their all as they went into 'battle' on the field of play.

Blyth Spartans have reached the first round proper of the FA Cup 31 times; the second round 14 times; the third round 4 times, the fourth and fifth rounds once each.