Ashton United 3-3 Blyth Spartans

In association with:

ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant

Ashton United 3-3 Blyth Spartans
Saturday 18 January
Hurst Cross
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League
Att: 147

A point gained or two points dropped? Opinion will be split on Spartans dramatic 3-3 draw with play off rivals Ashton United but one thing is for certain, Tom Wade's side can look to their disappointment at Matt Chadwick's late point saving equalising as a sign of their progress throughout the season. A topsy turvy game that had everything put both sets of supporters through the ringer and warmed even the coldest of bodies at a lively Hurst Cross where the noise levels far surpassed the attendance.

The home side took the lead inside five minutes with Chadwick taking full advantage of hesitancy in the Spartans back four and looped a twenty yard effort over Michal Misiewicz that dropped just beneath the crossbar and into the unguarded net. Shellshocked by the early goal it took some time for Wade's side to get going but when they did they created two decent chances. A lovely through ball from Neal Hooks released the in-form Dan Maguire in on goal but he was forced wide under pressure from United keeper Phillips and the striker couldn't get the shot away. Minutes later Matty Wade met a cross from the right from Ian Watson but headed over from ten yards.

Midway through the half pressure paid off and it was Wade who got his side back on level terms, although the goal owed much to the brilliance of Robbie Dale who tormented every full back - three in total - the home side put on him. A quick throw released the winger into the area and he skipped past Lynch to find his way to the byline. His low cross found Wade who rolled home from point blank range for his fifth goal of his debut season at Croft Park.

Buoyed by their equaliser Spartans went in search of another goal and but for the alertness of the hosts defence they would have found it. A Neal Hooks corner from the right was floated to the back post. That found the head of Nathan Buddle who made a powerful connection only to see his header cleared off the line, that ensured the sides went into the interval on even terms.

Within ten minutes of the restart Spartans should have been in front. An intricate through ball from Matty Wade released Maguire in on goal again however he could fire over the bar with Phillips rushing out to meet him. Minutes later that miss was punished as the home side got themselves in front again. A cross from the right was headed goalwards by Dale Johnson and caused Misiewicz to spill the effort. That was gleefully pounced upon by United top scorer Martin Pilkington who was never going to miss from yards out.

To their credit Spartans responded in the best possible fashion and within two minutes they were back on even terms. It was Lewis Horner who got the goal - his first for the club - as he broke into the area with a slight suspicion of handball. The referee ignored protests from the hosts and Horner calmly rolled the ball beyond Phillips meaning every Spartans outfield player in the current squad has scored this season, although the newly signed Shaun Utterson is still to make his second debut for the club.

Horner was at the heart of the action just two minutes after his goal as he was involved in an incident that saw United midfielder Gary Gee dismissed by referee Ollie Yates. A meaty challenge between the pair saw the official indicate Gee had stamped on Horner, a decision that incensed the home crowd and it must be said at the time their rage seemed to be justified.

Spartans kept their heads and went for the jugular with Dale looking imperious on the left, a factor that saw his second marker of the day substituted. With five minutes left Spartans took the lead for the first time in the game with a goal that came from the left hand side although it wasn't Dale who created it. Dan Maguire drove down the wing before firing a cross to the far post that was met with a firm volley by Arran Wearmouth who couldn't hide his delight at scoring his first Spartans goal since the home draw with Worksop Town in August.

With the game deep in injury time there was to be a sting in the tail for Spartans as former player Greg Pearson lined up a twenty yard free kick. His effort smashed off the wall before falling perfectly for Chadwick who made no mistake from eight yards out to snatch a draw that those of United persuasion will feel was merited.

So for Wade and his Spartans side the positives outweigh the negatives as they gain a point at a venue where they were outfought, outthought and outplayed last season. If they continue to replicate the style and commitment on display not only today but over the last month then they will certainly be there or thereabouts come the end of the season when the play off spots are decided. Given pre-season talk of merely surviving in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League even talking of a play off challenge eyes must be seen as a positive for everyone connected with the club.

Spartans Man of the Match:

Danny Parker

Ashton United

Phillips, Lynch(Pearson 47), Coo(O'Neill 86), Gorton, Higgins, Young, Chadwick, Gee, Pilkington(Rick 63), Johnson, Coppin

Subs not used

Evangelinos, Baguley

Goalscorers

Chadwick 5 and 90+2, Pilkington 58

Blyth Spartans:

Misiewicz, Buddle, Kendrick, Purewal, Parker, Wade(Hubbard 80), Horner, Watson(Wearmouth 76), Maguire, Hooks, Dale

Subs not used:

Cummings, Utterson

Scorers:

Wade 24, Horner 60, Wearmouth 86

Referee:

Ollie Yates