Blyth Spartans Women Celebrate Successful FA Cup Journey Despite Loss

Blyth Spartans Women are celebrating their first year back in competitive football as a success, even after suffering a significant 9-0 defeat in the FA Cup qualifiers. The team played their first match in September 2025, marking a triumphant return after a 16-year hiatus from the sport.

The Spartans reached the third round of the FA Cup qualifiers, where they faced Chorley Women FC, a team competing three tiers above them. The match took place on October 4, and while the scoreline was disappointing, head of women's football Linda Bush described the event as a "real celebration". The game attracted over 350 fans to Croft Park in Northumberland, a turnout that would be enviable for many non-league men's teams.

The club's revival is attributed to a takeover in 2024 by local businessman Martin Trinder, who established a Community Interest Company (CIC) to manage the club. This initiative allowed the women's side to reform after nearly two decades away from the pitch. Initially, Blyth Spartans Women were not permitted to enter the FA Cup due to being placed in Division Two, where only the top teams in Tier 7 are eligible. However, just before the first round draw, the Northumberland Football League promoted them to the top of Tier 7, allowing them to compete.

Team's progress outshines FA Cup result

Despite the heavy defeat against Chorley, Bush expressed pride in the team's journey, stating, "We got battered 9-0, but we really shouldn't have been that far in the FA Cup." She emphasized that the team is currently ahead of schedule in their development, estimating they are "two or three seasons ahead" of where they expected to be at this stage.

Let's Call It What It Is

Last season, only four of the women's home games were held at Croft Park, but this season, all matches will take place there following discussions with the club's director. Bush noted, "To get 350 people through the door, alright, they're paying £2 rather than maybe £12 when they come and see the men, but it's still 350 people who chose to come and sit in Croft Park on a Sunday afternoon when they could have been doing things elsewhere."

She highlighted the importance of the club as a community option for entertainment, fresh air, and women's football. Bush concluded, "We've done a really good job, so really happy." The enthusiasm surrounding Blyth Spartans Women reflects a growing interest in women's football, and their journey serves as an inspiring story of resilience and community support.