Blyth Spartans 0 Gloucester City 3 (Match Report)

Attendance 519

Blyth Spartans -

Jack Norton (sub Mark Bell 31 mins), Stephen Harrison, John Brackstone (sub Simon Todd 45 mins), Michael Tait, Gareth Williams, Richard Pell, Neal Hooks, Stephen Turnbull, Paul Brayson, John Alexander (sub Ian Graham 77 mins), Robert Dale.

Gloucester City -

Mike Green, Neil Mustoe (sub Jack Pitcher 82 mins), Jack Harris, Marc Richards, Tom Hamblin, Matt Rose, Lee Smith, Tom Webb, Will Moreford, Mike Symons (sub 74 mins), Ryan O'Hara (sub Greg Lake 85 mins).
Subs not used - Rob Aldrich & David Mehew.

Ref - Mr Markham - Washington

Spartans crashed at home to Gloucester City who completed the double against Spartans with two of their three goals coming from the penalty spot as Lee Smith completed a hat-trick.

The home side had started brightly and Stephen Turnbull split the visitors' defence but Robbie Dale's shot was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Mark Green.

Spartans had looked good in the early stages but once they conceded the lead, they were not nearly so fluid.

Gloucester were awarded a penalty on 13 minutes when Michael Tait was adjudged to have handled.

Smith stepped forward and drove his kick wide of Blyth goalkeeper Jack Norton.

After the melee of the penalty award Spartans maager Mick Tait was sent off to the stand for remonstrating with the referee about the penalty decision!

Soon afterwards, Norton denied Smith, turning the ball away for a corner but this proved to be his last action. He suffered an injury and substitute keeper Mark Bell took over in goal.

Just before the interval Richard Pell's header was claimed by Green, and Paul Brayson almost levelled early in the second period but his effort rebounded off the upright.

With 22 minutes remaining Gloucester went two goals up.

Will Moreford went past the home defence before setting up Smith to score his second goal of the afternoon.

In the late stages Smith and Moreford caused more problems for the home rearguard.

In stoppage time, Smith, who had been a constant thorn in Blyth's side, completed his hat-trick with a second penalty, awarded when Richard Pell brought down sub Jack Pitcher.