Report | Spennymoor Town 3-0 Blyth Spartans | National League North | 21/22

By Stephen Burton

In association with:

ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA

Chartered Management Accountant

Vanarama National League North

Saturday, April 18^th 2022

SPENNYMOOR TOWN 3-0 BLYTH SPARTANS

Blyth Spartans three match unbeaten run came to an end as two first-half goals proved costly in defeat at The Brewery Field.

Spennymoor took the lead midway through the first-half as Nathan Buddle deflected a cross into his own net, before Glen Taylor struck on the stroke of half-time to double their lead.

The Moors captain fired into the bottom corner early in the second-half to seal the points for the hosts.

Spartans boss Terry Mitchell made one change from the Good Friday clash with Farsley Celtic, with Danny Barlow coming in for his first Blyth start as he took the place of Lewis McNall

In an even opening period it took until the 11^th minute before either side registered a shot, and it came from Taylor, but his long-range shot was easily dealt with by Alex Mitchell.

Spartans were dealt an early blow as Connor Thomson had to be forced off with an early injury and was replaced by McNall.

Taylor had another wild effort just before Spartans threatened for the first time in the match as Michael Liddle's cross was fired wide by the onrushing Barlow.

The home side were quickly on the offensive as Jude Oyibo attacked down the left, his low cross was brilliantly claimed by Mitchell with Taylor lurking.

Spennymoor soon too the lead out of nothing, as Ethan Pye fired in a low cross that took a nick off Buddle and nestled into the bottom corner.

But within a couple of minutes Spartans had a glorious chance to level the scores. A Nicky Deverdics corner caused havoc in the Spennymoor box as McNall had an effort blocked on the line, then during the ensuing scramble Spartans were awarded a penalty, only for JJ O'Donnell to see his spot-kick saved by Jordan Amissah.

The home side continued to put pressure on Spartans with Oyibo proving to be a menace on the left wing, however McNall almost pulled Blyth level as he picked the ball up on halfway and ran at goal only to be denied by a brilliant block from Joe Tait.

Deverdics' delivery from the subsequent corner again caused problems for Spennymoor as another goalmouth scramble saw the ball fall to McNall but the striker couldn't keep his shot down.

Spennymoor went close to a second a few moments before the break as Tait met a corner at the back post only for Toby Lees to clear off the line.

Blyth then had a brilliant chance as Cappello raced onto a long ball, but he lashed his shot at the side netting.

Then within moments, Spartans were made to pay as Taylor flicked home a low cross to double Spennymoor's lead.

Blyth had an early opportunity in the second-half as Deverdics stood over a free-kick on the edge of the box, but his low shot was comfortably saved by Amissah.

Spartans struggled to make a breakthrough at the second-half wore on and were made to pay as Taylor raced onto a long ball and finished confidently into the bottom corner for his second.

Sado Djalo powered a header into the arms of Amissah before Cappello fired a shot from distance straight into the keeper's arms, as Blyth tried to find a way back into the match.

Spartans had a great chance with 15 minutes left as McNall pinched the ball in midfield, he played in Djalo who played the ball across goal but just couldn't quite find Cappello who was running in at the back post.

Taylor went close with a fiercely struck free-kick that flew narrowly wide of the goal before Tait was again was denied by clearance off the line as the hosts tried to add more gloss to the scoresheet.

In the final 10 minutes Barlow went close with a miscued cross that whistled inches over the bar, before Cappello played in McNall who pulled a shot wide, but that was as close as it got for the visitors.

Next up for Spartans is a home match Kidderminster Harriers next weekend.

Spennymoor Town | Amissah, Pye, Tait, Chandler (Hindson 80'), Brierley, Taylor ©, Ramshaw, Hall, Oyibo (Ofosu 75'), Richardson, Spokes (Preston 70') Subs not used | Flatters, Mason

Goals | Buddle (OG) 26', Taylor 45' 56'

Blyth Spartans | Mitchell, Liddle, Buddle ©, O'Donnell (Reid 63'), McKeown (Djalo 60'), Deverdics, Lees, Thomson (McNall 16'), Barlow, Almond, Cappello Subs not used | Painter, Robson

Goals |

Referee | Mr N. D. McNamara

Attendance | 1408 (155 away)