Corby Town 3 Blyth Spartans 4 (Match Report)

A wonder goal from left back Phil Cave (pictured left) was the pick of the bunch as Blyth recorded their third successive league win in a seven goal thriller at the Rockingham Triangle.

Despite leading 3-0 at half time, Spartans were left shell shocked after the break as three quick fire goals drew the home side level. Once again, goal machine Paul Brayson came to Blyth's rescue when he scored his 11th of the season to secure a vital win for the visitors.

In a fragmented opening to the game both teams struggled to retain possession and the ball boys were called upon with more regularity than the goalkeepers as passes and shots failed to find their intended target.

Inspiration came from an unlikely source on 30 minutes when Phil Cave unleashed an unstoppable 35 yard drive with his left foot, which flew into the top corner of the net. Corby's goalkeeper Chris Mackenzie stood no chance with an effort which is surely a contender for goal of the season.

Blyth gained confidence from taking the lead and their passing became sharper and more accurate as they began to carve out chances in an attempt to double the advantage. The second goal came 4 minutes before the break when Deverdics played a neat ball through to Alexander who took a touch in the area and from a tight angle fired a thunderbolt past Mackenzie. The striker's first goal of the season was certainly worth the wait.

Brayson then came agonisingly close to making it three in Blyth's next attack. Alexander played a ball to him in the area but the pass took a bobble and Brayson's effort just shaved the upright. Blyth's forward line was involved again in the best move of the match as they finally got their third just before half time. Alexander played the ball to Brayson who spotted the run of Hooks and the midfielder made no mistake from 12 yards with another thunderous strike.

Mick Tait would have been delighted with his team at half time but still wary of a Corby side who were unbeaten at home prior to kick off.

The second half was more trick than treat for Spartans as the home side scored within four minutes of the restart with Glenn Walker finding Ben Mackey with a cross and the striker heading home from close range.

The comeback was well and truly on in the 57th minute when Chris Hope rose unmarked from a corner to fire his header past Gillespie for Corby's second of the game.

The nightmare continued for Blyth a minute later when substitute Steve Diggin fired a shot across the face of goal with the ball cannoning off Dan Groves into his own net.

The away side did not let their heads drop and Blyth's travelling contingent would have been encouraged by the response from the men in green and white. The winner came on 72 minutes when a sublime cross from Turnbull was met by the head of Brayson (pictured right) who celebrated by moving ahead in the goal scoring charts.

Blyth then should have put the game out of reach as a succession of chances went begging. Alexander had a golden opportunity with just the goalkeeper to beat following a strong run from Groves, but his effort was fired straight at Mackenzie.

Dale and Deverdics both came close for Blyth and Brayson really should have put the final nail in the coffin just before the whistle when substitute O'Mahoney played a ball over the top to the striker who found himself with time and space but shot straight at the keeper when one on one.

Another impressive victory moves Blyth up to 8th in the league ahead of Saturday's Blue Square North clash with high flying Boston United at Croft Park.

Corby Town: Mackenzie, Pitham (Webster), Charlton, Hope, Gulliver, Lavery (c), Hall, Towers, Jarman (Diggin), Mackey (mom), Walker.

Blyth Spartans: Gillespie, Groves (mom), Cave, Deverdics, Swailes, Buchanan, Hooks, Turnbull, Brayson (c), Alexander, Dale (O'Mahoney)

Att: 641