Vauxhall Motors 1 Blyth Spartans 1 (Match Report)

Tuesday 8th September 2009
Attendance - 176

Vauxhall Motors

Danzelle St Louis Hamilton, Brian Moogan, Lee Dames, Chris Lane, Tom Hannigan, Josh Wilson, Jonathan Egerton, Robbie Booth, Karl Noon (sub Anthony Wright 85 mins), Lee Furlong (sub Josh Hine 70 mins), Chris Noone
Subs Not Used - Craig Davies, Keith Smith & James Holden.

Blyth Spartans

Jack Norton, Stephen Harrison, John Brackstone, Chris McCabe, Gareth Williams, Darren Craddock (sub Kenny Boyle 46 mins), Josh Gillies, Steven Turnbull, Paul Brayson, John Alexander, Rob Dale
Subs Not Used - Mick Tait, Andy Leeson, Adrian Webster & Mark Bell

Spartans came away from Elesmere Port with a point despite relentless pressure in the late stages, Blyth Spartans failed to claim a winner in last Tuesday's Blue Square North game at Vauxhall Motors.

The Spartans successfully rallied after conceding an early goal and with better finishing and a bit of luck, would have returned home with all three points.

Vauxhall made a dream start, scoring after just two minutes. Robbie Booth delivered a deep cross to the far post where Chris Noone fired past goalkeeper Jack Norton.

Blyth immediately retaliated and when Robbie Dale released Paul Brayson, the ace striker was just off target with keeper Danzelle St Louis-Hamilton well beaten.

Brayson though was not to be denied and on 22 minutes converted a penalty awarded after Josh Gillies had been fouled by Josh Wilson.

Spartans had much the better of the second half. Dale again split the home defence only for Brayson to chip over the crossbar.

Brayson then pinpointed a centre to the far post and John Alexander's header was parried back to him but his follow-up drive was cleared from the line.

It was all Blyth and Steven Turnbull, Gillies and Alexander all went near but with eight minutes remaining Spartans could well have conceded victory when only a superb save by Norton denied Lee Furlong.