Guiseley v Blyth Spartans | Tuesday, 20 August 2024 - 19:45 | League

By Callum Jacques

Spartans remained unbeaten away from home this season following a hard-fought draw to Guiseley at Nethermoor Park.

Chances were few and far between within the game with both sides unable to break the deadlock.

Blyth looked a lot stronger in the second half with substitutes Billy Gordon and Charlie Aitken both carrying the ball forward to get Spartans up the pitch on multiple occasions. Guiseley winger John Lufudu was a constant threat down the right and was awarded the home sides man of the match, but Spartans full back Joel Holvey kept him at bay for large parts of the game.

Spartans Striker Mitch Curry was originally named on the bench but was replaced by Zack Simpson following an injury in the warm-up.

The home side started the stronger of the two sides, dominating possession with Harrison Bond was first called into action when he clawed away Lufudu's cross from the right in the fifth minute.

William Longbottom's low cross in the ninth minute was turned behind by Connor Pani but it was a little too close for comfort with the ball rolling inches wide of Bond's post.

Spartans best chance of the first half came in the 25th minute when Dan Savage pulled the ball back to Max Storey, but his attempt was blocked.

Guiseley striker Gabriel Johnson tested Bond in the 29th minute but his effort was straight at the Spartans keeper.

The two sides went into the break level with neither side testing either goalkeeper.

Most of Spartans attempts were shots from range whilst the hosts put plenty of crosses into the box but to no avail.

Half-Time: Guiseley AFC 0-0 Blyth Spartans

Spartans started the second half with a higher press, dispossessing the hosts in the opposition half on multiple occasions.

Blyth's high press also benefited the defence by catching Guiseley offside numerous times to begin the second half.

As the half grew on however, the hosts started to come back at Spartans and Bond was forced into a phenomenal diving save in the 65th minute to deny Lufudu the opener with his shot from the edge of the box heading into the top corner, if not for Bond.

Aitken came the closest to scoring for Spartans with a volley from inside the area in the 69th minute but his attempt was tipped over by Joe Cracknell.

The rain started to pour around the 70th minute which made the conditions tougher for both sides.

Spartans ended the game on the back foot but remained strong to keep their first clean sheet in 22 league games.

Full-time Guiseley AFC 0-0 Blyth Spartans

Guiseley | Joe Cracknell, Lucas Odunston, Ollie Brown (Reece Kendall 71'), Prince Ekpolo, Lebrun Mbeka, Jameel Ible (C), John Lufudu, Adriano Moke (Joe Ackroyd 82'), Jordan Thewlis, Gabriel Johnson (Jack Emmett 76'), William Longbottom (Leo Farrell 64').

Subs not used | Danny King

Blyth Spartans | Harrison Bond, Joe Oliver, Joel Holvey, Ben Milburn, Connor Pani, Ryan Donaldson (Billy Gordon 57'), Max Storey, Marcello Benedetti (Joseph Abrahart 73'), Dan Savage (Charlie Aitken 65'), Joao Gomes, Nicky Deverdics (C).

Subs not used | Michael Hogan, Zack Simpson.

Attendance | 533

Referee | Barry Lamb

Assistant Referees | Kyle Lord and Daniel Seddick

Spartans next game is away to Worksop Town on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the Windsor Food Service Stadium, with a 3pm kick off.