Texo Challenge Trophy
Fixture: Blyth Spartans FC v Aberdeen XI
Date: Sunday 28th July 2019
Venue: Croft Park
Kick Off: 1500

An AFC Development squad will travel to Northumberland next month to play Blyth Spartans in special friendly game.

Currently in the National League North, the sixth tier of English football, they are managed by former Newcastle United and Sunderland midfielder and ex Kilmarnock manager Lee Clark who was appointed their boss this summer.

The historic English side, who have had some notable FA Cup runs over the years, reached the fifth Round of the competition in 1977–78.

Blyth play their home games at Croft Park.

Aberdeen announced recently that they are to pull out of the SPFL Reserve League and as part of their programme for 2019-20, will look to play friendly games against sides throughout the UK.

Aberdeen Development Coach Paul Sheerin commented “The English friendly games will be very beneficial to us, it will give the players a different outlook. It will be a great test for the boys and good preparation for our Challenge Cup campaign.”

The game came about thanks to Texo Group who are key sponsors at both clubs and the sides will compete for the Texo Challenge Trophy.

John Wood, Chief Operating Officer of Texo Group said ‘’We are proud to have been a key sponsor of Aberdeen FC for the last two seasons and our recently formed partnership with Blyth Spartans seemed a natural fit to launch the Texo Challenge Trophy.

“Both Blyth Spartans and Aberdeen FC are community focused football teams, which was a key reason for Texo Group’s involvement and we would encourage local football fans to join us at Croft Park for what should be an exciting afternoon of football.’’