Blyth Spartans poor away form continued as Alun Armstrong’s side suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Kidderminster Harriers at the Aggborough Stadium.
Two goals in eight minutes before the break from Ashley Chambers and Fraser Horsfall condemned Spartans to a two-goal deficit at the half – before the latter scored in his own net to reduce arrears early in the second period.
As Spartans looked for the equaliser, the hosts netted a third against the run of play through Ed Williams, condemning Spartans to a ninth away defeat in their last eleven games away from Croft Park.
The hosts went close on 11 minutes when Ironside’s diving header was saved by Peter Jameson as Kidderminster dominated the opening salvos. Declan Weeks managed a couple of potshots from distance than failed to trouble the Spartans stopper.
Nathan Buddle produced the first real chance of note when he headed a Jarrett Rivers corner off the crossbar after 20 minutes – a rare Spartans foray into the Kidderminster half.
Moments later former Nuneaton Borough striker Ashley Chambers ran free on goal but dragged his effort wide when he really should have scored.
The hosts began to up the ante in the latter stages of the first half, and only a wonder save from Peter Jameson to deny Billy Daniels keeping the scores level.
Eight minutes before the half-time, the hosts broke the deadlock when Chambers left-footed volley nestled in the bottom left hand corner of Jameson’s goal – Taylor’s deflected cross from the left teeing the former Leicester City striker.
It got worse for Spartans before the break as they were unable to clear their lines allowing Horsfall to double the lead.
Initial shots from Chambers and Ironside were blocked by Michael Liddle before the ball fell to Horsfall who tucked the ball past Jameson – via the leg of the aforementioned Liddle.
After the break Spartans began to take a bit control in the game and should have taken the lead on 58 minutes. Sean Reid scuffed an effort wide in the six yard box.
On the hour mark the visitors found a way back into the game through the enigmatic Rivers. His right-wing cross spun through the six-yard box where Horsfall mishit a clearance into his own net.
Five minutes the hosts thought they were awarded a penalty when Michael Liddle challenged Chambers in the penalty area, the assistant signalling for a penalty – the referee waving play on.
Just as Spartans began to turn the screw in search of an equaliser, Kidderminster restored their two-goal lead. Ed Williams latching on to a through ball that Liddle was unable to intercept, duly converting the opportunity.
The result means Spartans have earned just two points out of a possible 36 away from home since a 3-0 win away at Tamworth in February.
Spartans | Jameson; Nicholson, Cunningham, Buddle, I Watson; Horner (Wrightson), Oliver; Rivers, Reid, Dale ©; Maguire
Subs | Skirpan, Mullen, I Watson, Pybus