Blyth Spartans v FC United of Manchester | Tuesday, 3rd December 2024 - 19:45 | League

Blyth Spartans were held to a draw on Tuesday night following two late goals from FC United of Manchester.

Connor Pani gave the Spartans a lead just before the break with a header from a corner.

Cyril Giraud gave the Spartans a second just after the halftime break. FC United then made their comeback through Jordan Buckley and substitute Jay Fitzmartin to level the scoring.

The match started with early pressure from both teams, however, it was FC United who got the first shot off which narrowly missed the target.

Spartans got into the game through Dan Myers, who got the ball into the box and found Cyril Giraud whose shot was cleared off the line.

There was then a break in play as Adam Richardson went down and required treatment, he was eventually substituted and replaced by Michael Hogan.

At the same time, Jan Palinkas brought down Giraud in the box and Blyth was awarded a penalty, Palinkas was also shown a yellow card by referee, Stephen Beresford. Sam Hodgson stepped up to the spot, but Conor O'Keefe went the right way to save the penalty.

Spartans were then forced into another early substitution as Joe Oliver revived treatment and was replaced by Max Storey.

Blyth broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute as Connor Pani scored from a corner with a header inside the six-yard box.

Half time: Blyth Spartans 1-0 FC United of Manchester

Spartans started the second half brilliantly as Giraud showed some excellent footwork to beat his man before striking an effort on goal which bobbled under O'Keefe and into the back of the net.

Shay Richardson found himself in the referee's book for a challenge on an FC United player after the hour mark.

In the search to open their account, FC United piled on the pressure and won a corner, however, Hogan made a wonderful save to deny the visitors.

But the visitors pulled one back through substitute Jordan Buckley as he got his head onto a cross from Matthew Grivosti, which found the back of the net.

Charlie Munro then found his way into the book after a foul on Richardson.

FC United then found their equaliser through Jay Fitzmartin as his right-footed shot rattled the inside of the post before going in.

Both Fitzmartin and Ben Milburn were booked by the official within a minute of each other; Fitzmartin for kicking the ball away and Milburn for holding back the advancing striker.

Spartans had a late chance to find a winner in the 92nd minute as a free kick from outside the area was fired directly at O'Keefe who chested the ball into danger as Billy Gordon attempted to pounce on the rebound, but a United defender managed to clear the ball to safety.

Full time: Blyth Spartans 2-2 FC United of Manchester

Blyth Spartans - Adam Richardson (Michael Hogan 24'), Joe Oliver (Max Storey 32'), Dan Myers, Connor Pani, Ben Milburn, Ben Fell, Cyril Giraud (Greg Halford 79'), Joel Holvey, Sam Hodgson, Billy Gordon, Shay Richardson ©

Subs not used - Dean Briggs, Zach Simpson

Goals - Connor Pani 42', Cyril Giraud 51'

Yellow cards - Shay Richardson 62', Ben Milburn 89'

FC United of Manchester - Conor O'Keefe, Jan Palinkas (Jay Fitzmartin 53'), Guy Hall, Noah Halford (Jordan Preston 45'), Charlie Hayes-Green, Declan Evans, Matthew Grivosti, Charlie Munro, Adam Le Fondre, Jordan Buckley, Charlie Ennis © (Declan McLoughlin 54')

Subs not used - Hayden Lindley

Goals - Jordan Buckley 72', Jay Fitzmartin 83'

Yellow cards - Jan Palinkas 27', Charlie Munro 75', Jay Fitzmartin 88'

Referee - Stephen Beresford

Assistant referees - Jonathan Schofield and Courtney Mole