In association with:
ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant
Ilkeston 0-1 Blyth Spartans
Saturday 22 March
New Manor Ground
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League
Att: 305
For manager Tom Wade Spartans narrow win at Ilkeston was down to just one key factor as he hailed his side’s “bottle”. It was a tight affair at the New Manor Ground but Dan Maguire’s eleventh minute goal ensured that the three points returned to Northumberland after a resolute display from Spartans.
It was one in one out during the week as Craig Hubbard left the club to join Northern League side Whitley Bay but there was a new face in the squad. Former Hayes and Yeading striker Boris Bonket made his first appearance in a Spartans squad and took his place on the substitutes bench.
A wet and windy New Manor Ground met the players but the opening half was as dull as the weather. The one bright spot came as Spartans took the lead in the eleventh winner with a twenty sixth goal of a remarkable season for in form striker Dan Maguire. An underhit backpass from Robins left back Ryan Wilson allowed Robbie Dale a run in on goal. He drew keeper Ross Etheridge out of his goal and rolled the ball to Maguire who took his time, gained his composure and rolled the ball into an empty net.
The only other story of the first half also revolved around Maguire. The former Seaton Delaval man was unwell during the half and had to be substituted at the interval. Paul Robinson came on in his place at half time with a tactical switch seeing Arran Wearmouth playing the lone striker role, Lewis Horner moving out to the right hand side to accommodate Robinson in centre midfield.
Robinson almost created a goal with one of his first touches as his corner from the right hand side was met by Danny Parker. The centre back met the cross well but could only divert his header wide of the far post from twelve yards. Robinson nearly grabbed a goal for himself ten minutes into the second half after some good work from Robbie Dale. The winger danced past Wilson and his pull back from the touchline was met by the left foot of Robinson. However he was denied a second goal for the club by a brave block by Robins skipper Joe Maguire.
Just before the hour mark there was a moment of controversy with referee Robbie Dadley thrust into the limelight for the only time in the game. An overhit pass in midfield seemed to be rolling through to Robins keeper Etheridge but as Lewis Horner made a late run to get on the end of the pass he was blocked off by Ellis Storey. Many inside the New Manor Ground expected a red card to be shown but after a brief consultation with his assistant a yellow card was deemed sufficient punishment.
The hosts were enjoying plenty of possession and did actually improve as the half went on. The introduction of youngsters Goran Seymour and Elisha Bako seemed to give Kevin Wilson’s side some extra pace and tenacity but the Spartans back four remained disciplined. The final chance of the game fell to Spartans but Arran Wearmouth could only fire over from a narrow angle after latching on to a poor defensive header.
The final stages saw the home side go for a more direct approach trying to feed off knock downs from experienced front man Gary Ricketts but they were met by a determined Spartans side who refused to give up the three points. Full time was signaled with the ground with a rainbow overlooking the New Manor Ground, with this determination and spirit you can’t rule out Spartans finding their pot of gold of a play off spot come the final day of an increasingly impressive season.
Spartans Man of the Match: Nathan Buddle
Ilkeston Etheridge, Gordon(K Richards 80), Wilson, Wright, Maguire, Storey, Adams, Reid, Ricketts, Baker-Richardson(Seymour 45), M Richards(Bako 45) Subs not used: Shaw, Chettle Goalscorers None
Blyth Spartans: Grant, Mullen, Watson, Buddle, Parker, Wade(Cummings 70), Horner, Wearmouth, Maguire(Robinson 45), Hooks, Dale Subs not used: Kendrick, Purewal, Bonket Scorers: Maguire 11
Referee: Robbie Dadley