Blyth Spartans 3-2 Ilkeston

In association with:
ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant

Blyth Spartans 3-2 Ilkeston
Tuesday 15th October
Croft Park
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League
Att: 311

It was all just a little bit of history repeating for Tom Wade and his Blyth Spartans side as they repeated last season’s win over Ilkeston and in the process proved that some lessons have been learnt. Having thrown away a two goal lead earlier in the season at home to Worksop Town a more mature and professional Spartans side saw out the game to put Saturday’s defeat at Skelmersdale United firmly behind them.

The night began on a poignant and respectful note as Spartans paid respect to former striker Scott Bell after he sadly passed away after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease last Sunday.

It was the visitors who had the first chance of the night as the impressive Jason Stokes ghosted past Phil Airey and into the box. His whipped cross found Kane Richards but the livewire striker could only send a snapshot past Michal Misiewicz’s near post from ten yards out. That miss was punished by Spartans minutes later and it was a goal from a familiar source, the penalty spot. A wonderful link up between Dan Maguire and Lewis Horner released Arron Wearmouth into the area. His run was illegally halted by Matt Baker and Craig Hubbard made it four goals in three days sending Lloyd Allinson the wrong way from the spot.

The visitors hit back with what must surely be one of the most spectacular goals seen at Croft Park for many a year. Laurie Wilson – son of former Barnsley and Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson – struck a first time effort from just inside his own half that sailed over Misiewicz and into the net. Technique, accuracy and confidence that had even the Green Army applauding a stupendous effort.

With both teams set to continue attacking it was rather surprising that between them they only created one real chance before the interval and it fell to Ilkeston. A clever ball inside Airey released Stokes in on goal but as Misiewicz advanced on him he could only chip over the bar and the sides went into the interval on even terms.

With the words of Tom Wade and Colin Myers ringing in their ears Spartans started the second half like a runaway train. Passing and moving had Ilkeston chasing shadows as times and within three minutes they had the lead once again. The irrepressible Wearmouth fired a vicious volleyed cross in from the left that Maguire did superbly to flick over Allinson and into the net from eight yards.

Maguire was unfortunate not to double his own tally for the night minutes later as he seized on a loose ball after Allinson flapped at a Horner cross. However the Spartans striker saw his instinctive header cleared off the line by Baker. Maguire couldn’t be denied ten minutes into the half as he did indeed grab his second but it owed much to the hard work and skill of strike partner Ash Davis. Chasing down a loose ball on the left side of the Ilkeston area Davis held off Joe Maguire before lashing a cross into the six yard box. That was enough to take the Robins defence out of the game and leave Spartans forward Maguire with a simple finish.

Game over? Of course not and with fifteen minutes left it was very much game on! A tricky run into the Spartans area saw Kane Richards brought down by Lewis Horner and Arron Webster struck the spot kick straight down the middle to set up a grandstand finish. In reality though that never came and apart from a golden chance for James Reid – who fired over from a Richards cross from eight yards – Spartans saw out time impressively to seal three points. They did have to rely on a brave block from Nathan Buddle after Robins substitute Chettle had crashed a shot goalwards from the edge of the box. Buddle’s block was as good as a goal and it made sure Spartans got back on track after Saturday’s unfortunate loss in Lancashire, moving up to fourth in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League in the process.

Next up for Spartans is an FA Trophy tie at Croft Park on Saturday as they look for revenge against Skelmersdale United. Wade will hope his side show the passion, commitment and not to mention finishing they showed tonight and start handing out lessons rather than learning them for themselves.

Spartans Man of the Match: Dan Maguire

Blyth Spartans: Misiweicz, Airey, Purewal, Buddle, Watson, Mullen, Horner, Hubbard(Cummings 53), Wearmouth(Holmes 70), Davis, Maguire Subs not used: Parker, Kendrick, Wade Scorers: Hubbard 5 pen, Maguire 47 and 56

IlkestonAllinson, Baker(Wright 87), Webster, Gordon, Maguire, Storey, Reid, Wilson(Chettle 62), Ricketts, Richards, Stokes(Hooton 62) Subs not used Adams, Williams Goalscorers Wilson 15, Webster 75 pen

Referee: Mr Markham