Columnists

Tony Incenzo: We’re keeping up with the Jones’s

One of the standout fixtures and results for me this season came in a historic Northern Premier League East Division basement battle on New Year’s Day where the scoreline read: Blyth Spartans 1 Blyth Town 2.

by
Tony Incenzo
15 February 2026

Blyth Town’s Ben Fell, in blue, son of manager Gavin, challenges Blyth Spartans’ Jack Foalle in the historic derby

One of the standout fixtures and results for me this season came in a historic Northern Premier League East Division basement battle on New Year’s Day, where the scoreline read: Blyth Spartans 1 Blyth Town 2.

Let me put it into context. The Northumberland seaside town of Blyth is forever internationally steeped in footballing folklore.
That’s entirely due to Blyth Spartans’ incredible FA Cup exploits in 1977/78 whilst members of the Northern League.
They heroically fought through eight rounds (starting in the first round qualifying), winning 3-2 at Stoke City along the way.
Near neighbours
Th...

Continue reading...

Access all our premium content from as little as 14p per day!

Already a subscriber to our website? Login

Read our latest news on any of these social networks!

Tackle the News

- Sign Up for our weekly Non-League Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

More in Columnists

CHRIS DUNLAVY: Redeemer Rob must take Heed

A great escape can be the ultimate springboard to success – or a false dawn that delays the inevitable. Which way will Gateshead go?
TalkingPoints

Tony INCENZO A PERFECT END TO THE SEASON WEMBLEY BOUND: AFC Stoneham and, inset, Wealdstone’s, right, Nathan Tshikuna starts Wealdstone’s celebrations in the QF win over Kidderminster PICTURE: Ian Christy/Adrian Hoskins IT’S the occasion we’ve all been waiting for – Non-League Finals Day 2026 at Wembley Stadium. Quite simply, a...
Tony Incenzo: It’s the journey of a lifetime

As reported in The NLP last week, it was immensely satisfying for me to fulfil my lifelong ambition on Easter Monday of watching a match at every Non-League ground in the entire National League System.
Mark Carruthers: Darlington’s rise shows the value of the bigger picture

When assessing the merits of a glorious success or a perceived failure, there should be a necessity to look at the bigger picture.