Yeltz send brave Spartans out of the Trophy

A brave performance from Spartans saw them exit the FA Trophy after two second half goals from Ben Haseley and Joseph Hull put Halesowen Town through. It was in truth a deserved win for the Yeltz, although there was no doubting the commitment of the Spartans players, nor the wonderful travelling support shown by a small but vocal band of the Green Army.

There were several changes from the original tie between the two sides with Spartans hit by injuries and unavailability of the likes of Neal Hooks, Robbie Dale and Stephen Turnbull but still put out a strong side with recalls for the likes of Jonathyn Quinn, Chris Bell and Joel Dixon.

The first half was dominated by the Yeltz who were wasteful with their chances. Although Spartans stuck to the task they were dogged in the tackle and frustrated their opponents. In particular Ryan Hutchinson was impressive up against the ever dangerous Iyseden Christie and Ben Haseley. It was the latter who really should have given his side the lead just after the half hour mark.

A long ball sent the striker through on goal and he chose to go around Peter Jeffries who forced him wide and then denied his low shot from a narrow angle. Chances were few and far between although it took a remarkable goal line clearance from Hutchinson to preserve the deadlock going into the break. Christie managed to wriggle clear in the area but was denied by a brave block by Jeffries. The loose ball ran to Chris Lait on the penalty spot who struck a low drive past Jeffries but the alert defending of Hutchinson saw him clear off the line.

The second half continued in similar fashion as the hosts were on top and came within an inch of taking a deserved lead. A corner from the right by Griffiths was headed against the bar from eight yards by Hull, his time would come eventually. Spartans actually had the better of the opening exchanges in the second haf although only had a speculative shot from twenty yards by Arran Wearmouth to show for it.

With fifteen minutes left the hosts took the lead as a wonderful cross from the left by Griffiths was expertly finished by Haseley. That was goal number 101 for the Yeltz hitman after becoming a centurion with his late equaliser at Croft Park on Saturday.

The lead was doubled just five minutes later with a goal from Yeltz captain Hull. He rose above the Spartans defence to head home Lait's corner from the right hand side although it did take a deflection on the way in.

Late changes from Spartans saw Sammy Perez, Ryan Cummings and Jarrett Rivers introduced but to no avail and the Yeltz go on to face Gresley in the Third Qualifying Round.

Blyth Spartans:

Jeffries, Bell, Parker, Hutchinson, Watson, Turnbull, Dixon, Wade, Wearmouth, Maguire

Subs:

Perez, Cummings, Rivers

Halesowen Town:

Sargaent, Griffiths, Forde, Hull, Tilt, Bragoli, Lait, Turner, Christie, Haseley

Subs:

Tonks, Robinson, Thompson-Brown, Mackenzie, Kettle