Attendance – 294
Droylsden –
Craig Mawson, James Vaughan (sub Lee Roche 72 mins), Chris Butler, Chris Brown, Mike Byron, Neil Sorvel, Alex Brown, Rob Lloyd, Tony Gray, Paul Smith (sub Alex Meechan 65 mins), Shaun Whalley (sub Kevin Leadbitter 86 mins).
Subs not used – Paul Phillips, Colin Cryan.
Blyth Spartans –
Mark Bell, Stephen Harrison, Gareth Williams, Michael Tait, Stephen Foster, Richard Pell, Neal Hooks, Stephen Turnbull, Paul Brayson, Ian Graham, Robert Dale
Subs not used – Simon Todd, Jack Norton, John Brackstone, John Alexander
Blyth Spartans failed to accept first-half chances and were unlucky in the second period when they hit both the crossbar and upright before conceding a late penalty in yesterday’s game at Droylsden.
A good move by Robbie Dale and Ian Graham ended with Paul Brayson firing just wide after three minutes – and soon afterwards, as Spartans continued to exert pressure on the home defence, Brayson was again near to a goal.
Droylsden, though, showed them how to convert opportunities in the 14th minute as James Vaughan’s cross into the penalty area was headed home wide of goalkeeper Mark Bell by Alex Brown.
Undeterred by the setback, Mick Tait’s side continued to enjoy much possession – and it was no more than they deserved when they equalised 10 minutes before the interval.
Michael Tait released Dale down the right, and his centre was turned in at the near post by Graham. With the wind to their advantage in the second period, the visitors were looking for all three points – but luck was not with them.
Tait split the home defence and Stephen Turnbull cut inside before curling in a shot which rebounded from the post.
Brayson was also unlucky as his drive rebounded from the crossbar with goalkeeper Craig Mawson beaten and at this stage it looked as if Blyth would be the winners.
With 18 minutes remaining, however, they conceded a penalty. Rob Lloyd’s strike was adjudged to have been handled by Stephen Foster and Tony Gray stepped forward to convert the spot kick.