In association with:
ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant
Blyth Spartans 1-2 FC United of Manchester
Saturday 1st December
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League
Croft Park
Attendance: 617
On a freezing cold Northumberland winters day Spartans won one battle against the elements but lost another against visitors FC United of Manchester as the Rebels became the first side since Chorley in mid-September to take maximum points from Croft Park. In what was easily one of the most enthralling games seen at Croft Park this season a goal by FC United striker Mike Norton early in the second half gave his side the win although Spartans will feel they did enough to gain at least a point.
Manager Paddy Atkinson was without striker Ryan McGorrigan(Suspended) and midfielders Neal Hooks(Injured) and Jack Stanger(International trials) so in came Richie Slaughter and full debutant Dan Maguire. On loan winger Marcus Maddison was made unavailable by his parent club Newcastle United so he could play for their Under 21 side against Aston Villa on Sunday morning.
In a frantic start to the game Spartans were quickly on top and within two minutes had the first chance when Robbie Dale swung over an inviting cross that Lee Mason just failed to connect with under heavy pressure from Rebels left back Neville. However on six minutes they would take the lead as Richie Slaughter won the ball in midfield and floated an inch perfect ball in behind the visitors defence to release Phil Airey in on goal. The Amble born front man has been in one and one situations many times this season and he again made no mistake with a cool finish, rolling the ball past Spencer and into the net. It would however be a lead that Spartans couldn’t hold on to as a vulnerability from set pieces hurt them again. A Platt corner into the dangerzone caused havoc and despite several missed attempts to clear the ball fell to centre back Dean Stott who crashed home from ten yards out.
The visitors at this point were well on top and playing some good football but their momentum would be halted when winger Platt was taken off after a sickening clash with Slaughter. The FC United man would be taken to hospital for treatment on a facial injury and everyone at Spartans send their best wishes to him. Just after the half hour mark Spartans began to find their feet again and a break from Phil Airey saw the former Newcastle United forward run sixty yards from the edge of his own area and release Joe Kendrick on the right side of the Rebels box. Kendrick struck a first time effort that was saved low down by Spencer. As the half quietened down and seemed to be heading for a gentle end three chances came within two minutes.
Firstly Rebels midfielder Mathew Tierney smashed a goalward effort off Kendrick that forced Conor Grant into an excellent save low down to his left. Spartans then broke away and pressure from the impressive debutant Maguire saw him steal the ball from Jacobs and roll the ball to Robbie Dale. The Spartans winger struck a first time effort that smashed the inside of the post and rebounded to safety and then it would be Maguire again at the heart of Spartans dangerous play as he played in Airey. He cut in on his left foot and forced a solid save from Spencer which meant the sides went in level at half time.
Jordan Mellish made his comeback from injury as Atkinson replaced Darryll Donnelly with the former Hartlepool United man at the break. Spartans again started the better in the second half and really should have taken the lead as a superb cross from Airey was met bet Maguire with a diving header that just went past the post. A minute later and it was Airey who had a chance when a Kendrick free kick found his on the edge of the box but his effort went just over Spencer’s goal. Spartans would be punished for their wayward finishing as Rebels substitute Cedric Krou broke away on the right wing and played an inch perfect cross that found Mike Norton six yards out an he made no mistake. It has to be said Norton deserved his goal and put in a superb performance for the visitors and was easily the best player on the park.
As the pitch got heavier and the temperature dipped both sides kept at it and a real battle ensued. With twenty minutes left the visitors should have extended their lead when a Tierney shot deflected off Wayne Buchanan and seemed to leave Krou with a simple finish but he only found the side netting. Spartans had what looked like a strong penalty shout when Neville seemed to upend Dale in the box but the referee was unmoved. The last ten minutes were played with plenty of effort and endeavour from Spartans but they couldn’t force the equaliser that their battling performance had maybe deserved but they were undoubtedly some promising signs for Paddy Atkinson, Tom Wade and the Spartans faithful. The impressive debut of Maguire, the return of Jordan Mellish and the performance of winger Lee Mason all positives for Spartans.
The club would also like to thank the visiting players, coaching, officials and supporters for playing their part in what was a true advert for Non League Football, it was a day of real entertainment on and off the pitch at Croft Park.
Spartans Man of the Match: Lee Mason
Blyth Spartans: Grant, Utterson, Kendrick, Slaughter, Vipond, Buchanan, Donnelly(Mellish 45), Mason, Maguire, Airey, Dale(Turnbull 75) Subs not used: Mullen, Berj Scorer: Airey 6
FC United of Manchester:Spencer, Jacobs, Neville, Birch(Chalmers 60), Jones, Stott, Wolenden, Tierney, Norton, Wright, Platt(Krou 26, Cotterell 87) Subs not used: Daniels, Cheetham Goalscorers Stott 13, Norton 50
Referee:Mr Martin