Defender freed to make Quakers switch

Blyth Spartans defender Ian Watson has had his registration cancelled to enable him to complete a move to EVO-STIK League Darlington.

Watson signed for Spartans in August 2013, joining from Northern League club Whitley Bay and making his debut in a home defeat to Matlock Town.

His first season at the club ended with him making forty four appearances and scoring one goal. That came in the 6-2 hammering of Stafford Rangers at Croft Park.

Ironically, Watson’s final appearance at Croft Park before leaving on Tuesday was to come against his new club as Spartans knocked the First Division North's Quakers out of the FA Cup two weeks ago with a 3-0 win.

Four days later the 21-year-old made his final appearance in Blyth's famous green and white in the 1-1 away draw at Stamford AFC in the EVO-STIK League's top flight.

Upon completion of the move, Watson is expected to be in the Darlington squad for their league fixture with Harrogate Railway on Wednesday evening.

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