Aug 31 2010 – The Journal
By Malcolm Pratt
Click here to read the report on the Journal website
Droylsden 0 – Blyth Spartans 3
Blyth Spartans celebrated a double in yesterday’s Blue Square Bet North game at Droylsden.
Not only did they win for the first time in six attempts but it was the first occasion when they were not chasing the game.
Manager Mick Tait had called for his team to make sure they didn’t concede the first goal, but only a fantastic save by Spartans goalkeeper Jake Cunningham from Liam Brownhill prevented them from doing so.
Droylsden goalkeeper Paul Phillips did well to collect a glancing header from Ian Graham and Spartans were close to a goal just before the interval.
A smart move involving Michael Tait and Paul Brayson opened up the opportunity for Stephen Turnbull, whose first-time shot was spilled by the goalkeeper although he gathered at the second attempt.
However, Spartans broke the deadlock after an hour. A poor backpass was latched onto by Brayson, who quickly unleashed Turnbull and his clinical finish into the top corner gave Phillips no chance.
It was not until the last minute of normal time that Blyth could relax, Nicky Deverdics and Phil Cave moved down the left and Brayson readily accepted the close-range chance to put the game beyond Droylsden’s reach.
Then in stoppage time, Deverdics was again the provider for Stephen Turnbull to complete a comprehensive win for Spartans – who with three goals, doubled the number they had managed in five previous games.
DROYLSDEN: Phillips, Roche, Brownhill, Kerr, Hardiker (Byron), Lloyd, Killeen, Gardner (Halford), Kilheeney, Booth (McNiven), Holdon.
BLYTH SPARTANS: Cunningham, Harrison, Cave, Tait, Swailes, Buchanan, Graham (Deverdics), Turnbull, Bryson, Hooks, Dale.
Referee: Mr Haycock. Attendance: 418.