Report by Phil Castiaux
In association with:
ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant
Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division
Tuesday 9th February 2016
Attendance: 571
Blyth Spartans 1 – 0 Ilkeston
The Spartans found themselves five points clear of Workington in the Evo-Stik Premier League following this 1-0 victory over llkeston on Tuesday night.
The winning goal came courtesy of Captain Robbie Dale’s 100th goal at Croft Park.
Blyth started on the front foot with Aaron Wearmouth whipping in a cross from the right which Ilkeston keeper Jamie Hannis collected before Robbie Dale could capitalise. Wearmouth then was found by Dale and his 20 yard effort was easy for Hannis to deal with. The busy Wearmouth then crossed from the touchline but just failed to pick out Michael Richardson, six yards out.
Following the first 15 minutes of Spartans domination the visitors then had a spell of sustained pressure.
JJ Blake drifted past three Blyth defenders and his left foot shot from 18 yards brought out an excellent one-handed save from Adam McHugh in the Blyth goal. Blake then fired over from a free kick after Lee Ndluvu was fouled 25 yards from goal. A further free kick fell dangerously into space in the Blyth penalty box but there was no Ilkeston player there able to take advantage.
On the half hour mark, as if a switch had been flicked, Blyth went on to press forward for the remainder of the half.
Dillon Morse passed to Wearmouth on the wing. He slotted a neat ball through to Dale who crashed his shot off the far post. Good interplay between Richardson and Wilson Kneeshaw saw the former Darlington striker in space in the box but he was quickly closed down by defender Eli Bako and denied a shooting opportunity. Ilkeston keeper Hannis was again called in to action when a flicked header by Dale found Richardson 25 yards out and centrally placed. The midfielder volleyed, first time, and Hannis had to get down swiftly to collect.
In a rare Ilkeston attack Joe Doyle sliced wide before Blyth took the lead on the stroke of half time.
A Wearmouth shot was cleared the ball falling to Dale whose shot was blocked by Hannis. Richardson was quick to the ball but his goal-ward bound back heel was parried by Hannis. Richardson then attempted to retrieve the ball once more four yards from the goal but the overzealous Hannis fouled him in the process.
Robbie Dale crashed the resulting penalty high in to the roof of the Ilkeston goal.
After the restart a dangerous Wearmouth cross was cleared before Nathan Buddle headed narrowly over from a Dale free kick. Ilkeston responded through Daniel Udok who shot wide from 25 yards. Matthew Wade came close to extending Blyth’s lead when his close range headed was cleared for a corner.
The visitors were starting to create more chances and only a desperate last minute tackle by Buddle denied Udoh the chance to shoot. Ilkeston defender Matt Baker then screwed his shot agonisingly wide of McHugh’s goal. Twice Blyth had to employ well timed tackles – from Wade and Morse – to deny Dexter Atkinson.
With ten minutes remaining Kneeshaw came close to scoring when the ball fell to him, somewhat unexpectedly, and he turned and shot but Hannis was able to save with ease.
On 88 minutes Hannis was on hand to deny Kneeshaw again when, following a prolonged period quality passing in midfield, the striker struck the ball beautifully but the Ilkeston keeper pulled of a stunning save; reaching high to palm the ball onto the cross bar and away to safety.
It was an engaging game of football, deservedly won by Blyth, between two sides who liked to play with the ball on the ground and in the right spirit.
TEAMS:
Blyth Spartans: 1. Adam McHugh, 2. Dillon Morse, 3. Jordon Watson, 4. Nathan Buddle, 5. Ryan Hutchinson, 6. Neal hooks, 7. Aaron Wearmouth ( 14. Sean Reid 75), 8. Michael Richardson, 9. Wilson Kneeshaw, 10. Matthew Wade, 11. Robert Dale (capt.)
Unused subs: 12. Danny Parker, 15. Paul Robinson, 16. Ashley Davis, 19. Fabian Otte
Ilkeston: 1. Jamie Hannis, 2. Eli Bako, 3. Olly Luto, 4. Jordon Wheatley, 5. Matt Baker, 6. Joe Burgess (capt.), 7. Joe Doyle, 8. JJ Blake, 9. Daniel Udoh, 10. Lee Ndlovu ( 14. Dexter Atkinson 65), 11. Michael Williams
Unused subs: 12. Danny Gordon, 15. Haydn Goddard, 16. Luis Rose, 17. Ryan Head
Referee: John Mathews, Assistants: Mark Ryan and Lewis Game