In association with:
ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant
Bedlington Terriers 0-1 Blyth Spartans
Wednesday 27th November
Dr Pit Welfare Park
Techflow Northumberland Senior Cup Quarter Final
Att: 165
It’s been quite a few months for Craig Hubbard. A deadly run of form has seen the midfielder spring to the top of the Spartans goalscoring charts with ten goals in twelve appearances. His latest effort ensured that his side progressed to the Northumberland Senior Cup Semi-Final at the expense of his former club Bedlington Terriers. Although Spartans were grateful to keeper Conor Grant for two stunning late stop to deny the home side.
Spartans dominated the first half and despite a pudding of a pitch managed to play some good football that led to several chances. As early as the third minute they threatened the home side’s goal as Robbie Dale cut in from the left and curled an effort over Sean McCafferty’s goal. However the golden chance of the first half was squandered by Ash Davis. A clever through ball from Paul Robinson released Dan Maguire in on goal and when the forward was upended by the Terriers keeper, referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot. McCafferty redeemed himself though saving Davis’ penalty low down to his left.
The home side were struggling to get any meaningful possession and their only half chance came soon after the penalty when forward Dylan Williamson lashed across Conor Grant’s goal from an ever narrowing angle. However it didn’t take long for Spartans to contain their dominance and Davis tested McCafferty’s reflexes with a snapshot after a wonderful through ball from Robinson.
As the break approached there were two final chances for Tom Wade’s side but the heroics from the Terriers number one continued to frustrate Spartans. Firstly Lewis Horner was denied a first goal for the club as McCafferty smothered his low effort and Dan Maguire also saw a similar shot blocked. That ensured the deadlock remained unbroken at the interval.
A familiar pattern followed in the second half. Davis latched on to another inch perfect through ball – this time from Robbie Dale – but unsurprisingly he saw his shot saved at the near post by McCafferty. As the hour mark approached the resistance was broken and it was substitute Craig Hubbard who finally found a way past the Terriers stopper. An Ash Davis lay off found Hubbard twenty yards out and his low volley ended up in the back of the net via McCafferty and the post.
A one goal lead is never enough in football and the home side almost hit back within minutes. Only a stunning reflex stop from Conor Grant denied ex Spartan Colin Morton whose close range volley brought the best out of the former Gretna keeper. The game was all about possession for Spartans and they continued to play some flowing football without being able to find a killer second. Only a Dan Maguire header and a low Robbie Dale shot off the outside of the near post came close to doubling their lead.
Desperation coupled with an increased aerial threat meant that the Terriers had the best of the closing stages but they found Grant in form once again. Another former Spartan Martin Brittain crossed left footed to the far post and that found the head of James Harmison. The big defender rose highest but as his header seemed destined for the bottom corner Grant threw himself across goal and tipped the ball away to safety to ensure Spartans safe passage through to the semi finals of the competition.
Spartans Man of the Match: Lewis Horner
Bedlington Terriers McCafferty, Leason, Dobson, Morton, Harmison, Mellish, Davidson(Dixon 83), Watson(Brown 65), Williamson, Convery, Cave(Brittain 80) Subs not used Loughborough Goalscorers None
Blyth Spartans: Grant, Parker, Kendrick, Buddle, Watson(Purewal 59), Wade, Horner, Robinson(Hubbard 45), Dale, Davis, Maguire(Wearmouth 88) Subs not used: Mullen, Hooks Scorers: Hubbard 60
Referee: Michael Oliver