Report | Spartans move into the playoff spots with 2-0 win

By Liam O'Brien

In association with:

ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA

Chartered Management Accountant

Vanarama National League North

Friday April 19th 2019

Blyth Spartans 2-0 Guiseley AFC

Blyth Spartans continued their push for the playoffs with a 2-0 victory over relegation threatened Guiseley.

Kieran Green's 13th minute opener gave Spartans something to hold onto before Nathan Buddle's towering header secured a vital three points for Blyth.

Alun Armstrong was keen to maintain the playoff push and chose to field the same XI who picked up a 1-0 win away at league leaders Stockport County last Saturday.

And Blyth got off to a great start with Robbie Dale whipping in a cross for Green who's shot at goal was saved by Dewhurst.]

The rebounded landed at the feet of Maguire who had a shot that went across the face of goal and wide.

In the 6th minute, Guiseley got a chance from a corner that reached the head of Cantrill but the header was straight at Jameson.

A minute later, Liddle went on a mazy run past several defenders to get into the box but was crowded out. The ball fell to Rivers who's shot was saved by Dewhurst.

In the 13th minute, Blyth took the lead when a defensive error allowed Maguire take the ball and pass it to Green who was able to tap the ball into an open goal.

Green could have had a hat-trick in the opening quarter of an hour, a 25-yard half volley forced a diving save from Dewhurst.

Guiseley got another chance in the 35th minute when a cross fell to Hatfield, who had a first time shot at goal that was straight at Jameson.

Liddle took a free kick in a dangerous position for Blyth in the 37th minute that went over the bar.

Guiseley got two chances at goal before half time. The first was Garner who's header from a corner went narrowly wide then the second was Odejayi, a minute later, who's shot from close range was blocked by the head of Liddle.

Guiseley got into the game more in the second half and caused some scares in the 52nd minute when a long ball was played to Felix who managed to get into the box but was unable to get past Jameson and his shot hit the side netting.

Felix continued to cause problems as a cross was played into the box with Jameson and Felix both going for it but Jameson came out victorious in the battle.

Blyth tried to get a second goal and came close in the 57th minute when Rivers went on a run down the wing, passed it to Maguire in the box who pulled it back for Green. Green had a strike at goal but it was blocked.

Felix got another chance to equalise for Guiseley in the 78th minute when he found himself in space outside the box and had a strike at goal but the shot went over the bar.

In the 89th minute, Blyth doubled their lead when Rivers's corner met the head of Buddle and his header found its way into the back of the net.

Another victory for the Spartans means they continue their push for the playoffs with two games remaining of the season. They travel to Manchester to face FC United of Manchester on Easter Monday with the hope on continuing this push.

Spartans - Jameson, Nicholson, Liddle, Green (Oliver, 87'), Buddle, J.Watson, Rivers (Wrightson, 90'), Mullen, Maguire (Ardelean, 78'), Atkinson, Dale (c)

Subs not used: Horner, Hutchinson

Goals - Green (13') Buddle (89')

Guiseley FC - Dewhurst, Mayo, Cantrill, Halls, Langley, Garner (c), Felix, Purver, Odejayi (Clayton, 82') James (Dyche, 61'), Hatfield (Fowler, 71')

Subs not used: Thornton, Digie

Referee - Adam Williamson

Man of the Match - Kieran Green