Blyth Spartans 4-1 Ashton United

In association with:
ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant

Blyth Spartans 4-1 Ashton United
Tuesday 19th February
Croft Park
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League
Attendance: 272

From the lows of Saturday to the contrasting highs of a comprehensive win over mid-table Ashton United in the space of three days. Could such a large change in a relatively small time period sum up this football club any better?. Spartans produced a story so unexpected it could be found in any fairytale, in the process finding heart, intelligence and courage to overcome the Robins at Croft Park tonight. Whilst that may sound like the Wizard of Oz it was a player returning from the land down under who went on to walk away with the man of the match award after a superb second debut in the green and white. However the three points were not won solely by the efforts of the returning Stephen Turnbull but were the reward for a team performance rarely matched this season.

Spartans were forced into two changes from the defeat at Rushall on Saturday with Turnbull and Damen Mullen replacing the unavailable Shaun Utterson and Craig Hubbard. Craig Pickering made his home debut for the club with recent signing James Baxter named on the bench alongside Sam Hodgson and Jack Stanger.

Just as with every fairytale there is a villain involved and he made an appearance earlier than expected. In the first minute of the game a Scott Hogan corner caused havoc in the Spartans area and fell to United striker Aaron Burns who made no mistake lashing into the top corner from ten yards out. Spartans really should have been on even terms in the tenth minute when Lee Mason produced a top quality cross that found Andy Jennings unmarked in the centre of the box but the giant striker headed wide and really should have done better. Just after the twenty minute mark Spartans did indeed draw level and it came from a now regular source of goals. Whereas the award of a penalty would have struck fear into the hearts of Spartans fans and players alike, it seems that there is something bordering on a prolific nature being found when it comes to scoring from twelve yards. In the absence of Craig Hubbard it was Robbie Dale who did the business from the spot after Dan Maguire had been fouled by Billy McCartney.

That goal did more than just equalise for Spartans, it gave them new a found confidence in themselves and their fellow team mates and they quickly began to stamp their authority on the game. Dale came close to both his second and Spartans second when he spectacularly volleyed just past the far post five minutes after his first goal. Spartans were keeping the ball much better as the confidence returned and clicked up a gear as the clock ticked towards half time. Jennings went close again as he headed over from six yards after connecting with a Dale knock back and Turnbull tested Phillips in the visitors goal from a thirty yard free kick. On the brink of the interval Spartans would have the lead as Lee Mason headed home his second of the season from barely three yards after Jennings had headed a Turnbull free kick on to the bar.

Spartans management duo Paddy Atkinson and Tom Wade have spoken of their frustration at their side being able to play in patches so it was understandable that there was some trepadation as the sides came out for the second period. That would be short lived as young striker Dan Maguire got his first Croft Park goal. The outstanding Lee Mason, boosted by the confidence his goal had given him, beat three Robins defenders and found Maguire on the penalty spot. The former Seaton Delaval forward span his marker and toe poked home to add to his goal at Rushall on Saturday. It was reward for the youngster who impressed the Green Army with his hardworking play and seems to be set on seizing his chance for a regular spot in the starting line up. That was his third goal in the green and white and he went on to add to that tally before the final whistle.

Before that though Spartans would put together some passages of play that they have found so hard to produce this season. The likes of Mason, Dale, Hooks and Maguire were all on top form and the show was being orchestrated by Turnbull as they pushed and pulled the visitors all over Croft Park, laying siege to Phillips goal with regularity. Dale nearly added to his spot kick with a right foot curler from twenty yards that just evaded the cross bar, a trick Hooks would replicate minutes later as Mason played him in. The visitors were looking blunt with only captain Tom Baker producing a chance as he bobbled a shot past Pickering’s far post after beating Richie Slaughter on the edge of the Spartans box.

With the full time whistle approaching and both managers taking their chance to make changes Spartans further extended their lead and it was that man Maguire again. While he was there to add the finishing touch it was a goal created by the magic of Dale who bobbed and weaved past three defenders, enticing and evading tackles. He broke into the right hand side of the box and while many expected a shot he calmly rolled the ball across the six yard box to find Maguire who really couldn’t miss, although his movement was fantastic to lose his marker at the far post. It was a night that was as rewarding as it was unexpected as Spartans finally proved that there is indeed no place like home making it just two defeats in thirteen games at Croft Park.

Spartans Man of the Match: Stephen Turnbull

Blyth Spartans: Pickering, Airey(Hodgson 87), Mullen, Turnbull, Buchanan, Slaughter, Mason, Hooks, Jennings(Stanger 84), Maguire, Dale(Berj 89) Subs not used: Donnelly, Baxter Scorer: Dale 21 pen, Mason 45, Maguire 52 and 87

Ashton United: Phillips, Harrop, Caldecott(Lynch 35), Baker, McCartney(Smith 84), Frost, Johnson, Burke, Burns, Barlow(Riley 67), Hogan strong> Subs not used: Bridgewater, Thompson Goalscorers

Referee: Warren Broadbent