Blyth Spartans v Matlock Town | Saturday, 16 November 2024 - 15:00 | League

Spartans were well beaten in front of a bumper crowd at Croft Park, as Matlock Town ran out 4-0 winners.

A Montel Gibson brace and a goal apiece for Remaye Campbell and Reece Kendall were enough to give the visitors all three points in front of over 1,000 Blyth fans.

The game was Michael Connor's first at Croft Park since taking charge of Spartans two weeks ago, with new additions JJ Hooper, Sam Hodgson and Ben Fell all making their first start since joining the club.

Spartans' goalkeeper Adam Richardson was called into action for the first time in the 15th minute to deny Remaye Campbell from close range.

Matlock continued to rack up the attempts but Gibson's tame effort in the 26th minute was straight at Richardson.

The on-loan Sunderland 'keeper was then called into action once again a minute later to deny Gibson at the far post from point blank range.

The away side, however did break the deadlock in the 31st minute when Gibson evaded the offside trap and was found in acres of space before running through and slotting the ball under Richardson to give Matlock the lead.

As half time approached Spartans had appeals for a penalty waved away by the referee. Ryan Donaldson had gone down inside the area under the challenge of a Matlock player following a cross from Billy Gordon. Matlock then broke forward and struck the post from Gibson's low strike across goal.

Moments later the striker then evaded the offside trap once again in first half stoppage time but this time his effort was blocked by a Spartans defender.

Half time: Blyth Spartans 0-1 Matlock Town

Spartans' best opportunity of the game came early in the second half when Gordon's through ball found Michael Woods inside the area but his square ball from close range was cut out.

Campbell doubled the visitors lead in the 51st minute when a low cross from the right found the Matlock striker unmarked, five yards out with the whole of the goal to aim at.

Matlock were then three up before the hour mark when full back Kendall found the back of the net from inside the box following an attempted clearance from Spartans.

Spartans captain Nicky Deverdics was replaced with only four minutes remaining after going down with an injury.

Gibson got his second and Matlock's fourth in the 90th minute, when his angled strike from inside the box found the top corner.

Full time: Blyth Spartans 0-4 Matlock Town

Blyth Spartans Adam Richardson, Lucas Reed (Joseph Abrahart 51'), Ben Fell, Ryan Donaldson (Max Storey 51'), Ben Milburn (Josh Norvell 68'), Greg Halford, Billy Gordon, Michael Woods, JJ Hooper, Sam Hodgson, Nicky Deverdics (C) (Isaiah Cornet 87')

Subs not used Michael Hogan

Yellow cards Greg Halford

Spartans Man of the Match Billy Gordon

Matlock Town Cameron Mason, Dermi Lusala, Reece Kendall, Adam Clayton, Joshua Granite (C), Charlie Oglesby, Jake Thompson (Curtis Durose 76'), Fouad Bachirou (Benni Ndlovu 87'), Montel Gibson, Remaye Campbell (Harry Wood 74'), Jeremie Milambo (Sam Essien 68')

Subs not used Shaun Brisley

Goals Montel Gibson (31', 90'), Remaye Campbell (50'), Reece Kendall (56')

Yellow cards Sam Essien, Charlie Oglesby

Attendance 1,407

Referee Jamie Cann

Assistant referees Lewis Hardy, Gary Hargrave

Spartans next game is away to league leaders Macclesfield Town at the Leasing.com Stadium on Saturday, November 23, with a 3pm kick off.