Blyth Spartans v Workington | Tuesday, 10 September 2024 - 19:45 | League

Credit: Paul Scott

By Josh Kirtley

Blyth Spartans get their first win of the Northern Premier League Premier Division season after a 1-0 home win against Workington.

Billy Gordon opened the scoring for Spartans in the 62^nd minute with a great finish inside the box.

Spartans were coming into this game still looking for a first win of the season, after a 1-0 away loss to Prescot Cables last time out. Workington were unbeaten in their previous two fixtures, with a 2-1 victory over Hebburn Town and drawing 1-1 with Warrington Rylands.

In the third minute of the game, Harrison Bond got down well to his left-hand side to deny Workington an early opener, tipping a shot from just inside the box round his right-hand post.

Spartans' first clear shot on goal came from Billy Gordon, after his left-footed effort from the edge of the area was well held by Alex Mitchell for the visitors.

Gordon had another opportunity around 15 minutes later, as his lofted effort went agonisingly wide of the right post - after a great ball over the top from Michael Woods.

Kai Nugent appeared to be through on goal for the away side before a crucial intervention from Ben Milburn who got a vital foot in, before Bond was called into action again to deny Workington an opener, palming an effort to safety.

Joao Gomes showed some good trickery, twisting in and out before hitting a left footed strike from 25 yards which just went over the bar.

A goalless first half, but positives to take nonetheless.

Half time: Blyth Spartans 0-0 Workington AFC

Credit: Stephen Beecroft

Spartans had started the second half well, having two corners and a strike at goal within the opening 10 minutes of the restart.

Michael Woods' left footed shot hit the left-hand post after being found with a pass on the right-hand side.

Billy Gordon opened the scoring in the 62^nd minute, Milburn's ball across the box found Gordon, who opened his body up and finished brilliantly into the top-left hand corner, leaving no chance for Mitchell in the Workington net.

David Norris nearly found an equaliser minutes later, after a headed effort in the six-yard box went wide.

Dan Savage was replaced by Harry Gardiner in the 74^th minute, a good performance from our number nine.

Blyth managed to see out the victory, after a good performance on home soil.

Full time: Blyth Spartans 1-0 Workington AFC

Credit: Stephen Beecroft

Blyth Spartans | Harrison Bond, Connor Pani, Joel Holvey, Zach Simpson, Greg Halford, Ben Milburn, Billy Gordon, Michael Woods, Dan Savage (Harry Gardiner 74'), Joao Gomes, Nicky Deverdics ©

Subs not used | Charlie Aitken, Michael Hogan, Mitch Curry, Josh Norvell

Goals | Billy Gordon 62'

Assists | Ben Milburn 62'

Yellow Cards | Billy Gordon 70', Ben Milburn 86'

Workington AFC | Alex Mitchell, Josh Galloway, Aran Fitzpatrick, Ben Williams (David Norris 68'), Steven Swinglwhurst (Jordan Little 80'), Tom Wilkinson, David Symington ©, Jake Allan, Steven Rigg, Kai Nugent, Tom Stephenson (Jamie Allan 58')

Subs not used | Brad Hubbold, Ben McCarron

Yellow Cards | Kai Nugent 56'

Attendance | 515

Referee | Tyler Dutton

Assistant Referees | Jack Whitfield and Jordan Nicholson

Spartans next game is against Bury FC in the Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round at Croft Park on Saturday, September 14, with a 3pm kick off.