FULL TIME: Nicholson’s maiden strike seals Spartans win

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Blyth Spartans 2-0 Stourbridge
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League
Croft Park
Tuesday 21st March 2015
Attendance: 434

A goal in each half from Stephen Turnbull and Alex Nicholson ensured that Blyth Spartans rounded off a busy week on a high with a comfortable win over Stourbridge at Croft Park. Tom Wade's side had dominated the chances and, although there was an element of fortune about Turnbull's opener, Nicholson's first goal for the club and the match-clincher were well worth the entrance fee.

Wade made five changes from Thursday night's dramatic draw at Ramsbottom United, including a recall for captain Robbie Dale and Damen Mullen. New signing Sam Bramley had to make do with a place on the bench.

Spartans began the game well and really should have taken the lead in just the fifth minute. Alex Nicholson drove down the right hand side and was given time to make his way into the Glassboys area before rolling back for Michael Richardson. The former Newcastle United midfielder chose to take the chance on first time but sent his shot well over the bar from eight yards out.

The visitors had their first chance in the tenth minute with a lovely passing move involving striker Luke Benbow and full back Brian Smikle, with the latter being released in on goal but his low drive was smothered by the alert goalkeeping of Nick Thomson.

Dan Maguire had made a lively start to the game and almost continued his recent form after being played in by a wonderful volleyed pass by Robbie Dale. The striker held off a challenge from Drew Canavan but was closed down by his defensive partner Kayelden Brown. The chance went begging as Maguire was forced to flick the ball over Brown and the ball wouldn't drop quickly enough for the striker to get his short away.

Dale was at the heart of the action again in the twentieth minute as he found space midway inside the visitor half. The winger picked out a intricate pass to release Richardson in on goal but the midfielder hit a weak left foot effort and Dean Coleman gathered easily.

There was a major let off for the Glassboys soon after as they left the dangerous looking Maguire free in the area. He was found by an inswinging cross from the right by Stephen Turnbull but Maguire could only head against the base of the far post and the danger was cleared.

Spartans eventually made their pressure pay off in with six minutes to go until the break, although it has to be said there was an element of fortune about it. A quick Richardson corner on the right was played to Turnbull on the angle of the area. The midfielder was given too much time to cross into the area and his centre evaded everyone and nestled into the far corner of Coleman's goal.

That goal proved to be the final action of an entertaining half, with Spartans creating chances but their visitors looking dangerous on the break.

The second half was something of a slow burner with both sides surrendering possession far too easily and it wasn't until the hour mark when a delicate touch from Dan Hawkins released Maguire in behind the Glassboys back four. The striker couldn't get the ball out of his feet at first and when he finally did he had given Brown enough time to block his effort.

Tom Wade decided to replace Hawkins with Ash Davis soon after that chance and the forward almost made an immediate impact as he met a Dan Maguire pull back but blazed over the bar from around ten yards out.

Spartans doubled their lead with seven minutes remaining on the clock with Alex Nicholson's first goal for the club. A ball in to the Glassboys area was held up well by Ash Davis and as the striker challenged with Brown for the loose ball it ran to Nicholson. The young full back struck first time from twenty yards and his stinging drive nestled inside the near post much to the delight of the Green Army.

That strike sealed the win for a confident looking Spartans and although the Glassboys hit the bar in the closing stages with a header from Quaynor, it was rich reward for a strong performance from Wade's side. They have to be complimented on the energy levels shown after such a draining week, looking, if anything, the stronger side in the closing stages. They now head into Tuesday's away game at Marine on the back of a run that consists of one defeat in sixteen games.

Spartans: Thomson, Nicholson, Mullen, Parker, Hutchinson, Turnbull, Richardson (Wade 85), Dale, Maguire, Hooks, Hawkins (Davis 65) Subs not used: Wearmouth, Lynch, Bramley Goals: Maguire 39, Nicholson 83

Stourbridge: Coleman, Smikle, Night, Brown, Canavan (Tye 76), Williams, Connolly, Broadhurst, Benbow (Quaynor 67), Lait, Dodd (Morgan-Parker 80) Subs not used: Hill Goals:

Referee:

Marc Edwards