Saturday 28th February 2009
Blue Square North
Alfreton Town 1 Blyth Spartans 1
Att: 480
Spartans: Paul Farman, Kenny Boyle, Gary Brown, Gareth Williams, Richard Pell, Andy Leeson, Adrian Webster, Chris McCabe (sub Alex Gildea 60 mins), Robert Dale, Shaun Reay, Marc Walton (sub Adam Laidlaw 76 mins).
Subs not used: Andrew Wright, Ged Dalton & Stuart Banks.
Spartans picked up a valuable point away at 5th placed Alfreton Town.
Manager Harry Dunn was able to bring back midfielder Chris McCabe with Simon Todd failing a late fitness test. Also Paul Farman remained in goal with Mark Bell still out with a broken finger.
The home side tested the Blyth defence early on with Anton Brown shooting straight at Farman from just inside the penalty area.
Robert Dale brought Spartans first chance, dribbling in off the left wing before cutting into the penalty area but short narrowly wide.
The home took the lead from a controversial penalty. Andrew Leeson adjudged to have fouled Paul Clayton. Martin McIntosh sending Farman the wrong way from the spot.
Blyth were level in under 2 minutes. A Gary Brown throw in was flicked on at the near post by Marc Walton for Chris McCabe to turn home at the back post.
Chances were at the premium in the second half. Liam Hearn on a one on one with keeper Farman blasted his shot but the youngster did well to turn It over.
Late on a Gareth Williams free kick fell to Shaun Reay who volleyed over.