Blyth Spartans 0 Southport 2 (Match Report)

Attendance 737

Blyth Spartans

Mark Bell, Stephen Harrison, John Brackstone, Michael Tait, Gareth Williams, Andrew Leeson, Chris McCabe, Stephen Turnbull, John Alexander (sub Ian Graham 62 mins), Adrian Webster, Robert Dale.
Subs not used
Kenny Boyle, Shaun Reay, Simon Todd, Jack Norton

Southport

TONY McMILAN, Chris Lever, Rob Marsh-Evans, Adam Flyn, Carl Davis, Michael Powell, Ashley Winn, Alan Moogan (sub Bradley Barnes 72 mins) , Chris Simm (sub Steve Daly 58 mins), Ciaran Kilkheeny (sub Paul Barratt 78 mins), Matty McGinn
Subs not used
Shaun Gray, Robbie Booth

Spartans failed to recover after conceding an early goal in last night's Blue Square North game with Southport at Croft Park.

The majority of fans in a bumper crowd of 737 were stunned as Southport took the lead after just three minutes.

Alan Moogan's long ball found Chris Simm, who beat Gareth Williams before firing past goalkeeper Mark Bell from just inside the penalty area.

Spartans' best effort in the opening half came from Adrian Webster but Tony McMillan was equal.

In another raid, Robbie Dale set up John Alexander but, for a second time, McMillan made a good save.

Blyth found it difficult to prise open a well-organised Southport defence and at the other end Simm and Ciaran Kilheeney threatened to add to the visitors' lead.

A second goal, however, was not long delayed and on the hour Spartans were left with a mountain to climb as Kilheeney volleyed home after Adam Flynn's long ball had pierced the home rearguard.

Late in the game, Spartans were close to a consolation when a cross by Dale was headed narrowly wide by Chris McCabe.