Blyth Spartans were unable to avenge their FA Cup injustice at the hands of Wrexham 44 years ago – but they summoned the spirit of 1978 in a full-blooded FA Cup tie at a packed Croft Park.
The former Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa star will return to Croft Park for the first time in 13 years after spending time as a player, caretaker manager and assistant manager during his previous spell with the club.
JJ O’Donnell boosted Blyth Spartans survival hopes with a late winner in Friday’s home game with Farsley Celtic – but he insisted their bid to maintain their National League North status is “nowhere near done”.
The move comes following a number of suggestions from Quakers supporters and the club have revealed both the National League and Spartans “swiftly agreed to the idea”.
Blyth Spartans ended a run of nine straight defeats that brought the sacking of manager Michael Nelson earlier in the week with a priceless and narrow victory over fellow strugglers Guiseley.