HALF TIME: Spartans 1-0 Stourbridge

In association with:

ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant

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

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.

Spartans: Thomson, Nicholson, Mullen, Parker, Hutchinson, Turnbull, Richardson, Dale, Maguire, Hooks, Hawkins Subs not used: Wearmouth, Lynch, Davis, Bramley, Wade Goals:

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

Referee:

Marc Edwards