Hinckley United 1 Blyth Spartans 1 (Journal’s Match Report)

HINCKLEY UTD:

MacKenzie, Mace, Franklin, Dillon, Lister, Pitham, Hall, Gooding, Eribenne (sub Ogleby 46 min) , Gray, Taylor (sub Newton 58 min).
Subs not used: Lavery, Roberts, Smith.

BLYTH SPARTANS:

Norton, Harrison, Craddock, Tait, Foster, Williams, Hooks, Turnbull, Brayson, Alexander, Dale.
Subs not used: Bell.

Attendance: 372

DESPITE only being able to name a 12-man squad, Mick Taits Blyth Spartans were well worth a share of the points in last nights Blue Square North game at Hinckley United. In fact, Spartans had a golden opportunity late in the game to return home with all three points but the usually reliable Paul Brayson failed with a penalty.

Four players were missing who travelled to Alfreton Town on Saturday, but Blyth still dominated 80 per cent of the game.

They could easily have been three goals ahead at the halfway stage. Michael Tait and Stephen Turnbull combined, but John Alexander was just off target with his 12-yard effort.

Robbie Dale found Alexander unmarked, but home goalkeeper Chris McKenzie made a splendid save.

McKenzie then denied Alexander, and when his parry fell to Brayson his goalbound effort was cleared off the line.

Brayson did get the ball into the net but was ruled offside.

However, Blyth were not to be denied and on the stroke of half time deservedly went in front.

Turnbull split the Hinckley defence and Brayson raced down the left before cutting inside and rifling a terrific shot into goal from 10 yards.

The Hinckley manager kept his side on the pitch during the interval, and maybe his team talk was to good effect since Blyth conceded the equaliser on 55 minutes.

Alex Taylor delivered a good corner and Connor Franklin headed in at the near post wide of Jack Norton.

This was a setback to Spartans who continued to enjoy much more of the possession and only another superb save from Dale kept the home side in the game.

Blyth, though should have sealed all three points just before the end. Alexander was up-ended in the penalty area but for once Brayson failed from the spot.