Report by Phil Castiaux
In association with:
ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant
Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division
Tuesday 2nd February, 2016
Attendance: 774
WORKINGTON 2 – 0 BLYTH SPARTANS
Photo credit: News & Star
Second in the table Workington proved too much for a depleted Spartans side in Cumbria on Tuesday evening. The Reds won 2-0 against top of the table Blyth who, nevertheless, still head up the table.
The visitors were equal to their rivals in the opening exchanges with Kneeshaw nearly creating an opening on two occasions before Blyth had to rely on goalkeeper Adam McHugh to dive and collect the ball in a scramble within his six yard box.
The first clear cut chance of the game came after seven minutes when Workington winger Conor Tinnion found himself in space 20 yards out but he carelessly side-footed over the Blyth bar. At the other end a last ditch tackle by Sam Smith denied the livewire Kneeshaw, and Aaron Wearmouth fired wide.
The home side should have taken the lead after 20 minutes and it was Tinnion again who was the culprit. In a similar position to previously he attempted a curling effort aimed at the top corner of McHugh’s net but he sent his shot past the junction of the bar and post.
Workington were now pressing with speed and power.
Before the interval Blyth defenders Dillon Morse and Nathan Buddle were called upon to come to the rescue with strong clearing headers.
Blyth started the second half looking more confident and assured.
Robbie Dale put Michael Richardson through on goal but the Reds keeper Alex Mitchell was out smartly to smother the ball. A Dale free kick from 35 yards sailed over the bar before Rob Wilson came up with a similar effort at the other end of the pitch.
Blyth came close to taking the lead on 61 minutes when Kneeshaw cut in from the left and picked out Matty Wade 20 yards from goal. The midfielder steadied himself and unleashed a rasping shot which Mitchell could only palm over his bar and away for a corner.
Kneeshaw then chased down Mitchell as he went to clear through ball. The keeper’s kick only found Dale who, attempting to catch the keeper off his line, spooned his long range first time shot high and wide.
Workington started to wrest the initiative back and on 69 minutes it needed a timely tackle by stand in centre half Sean Reid to deny Joe McGee. McGee then found himself with time in the penalty box but his control let him down and the half chance was gone.
The Reds did score, however, on 75 minutes when Blyth lost the ball in midfield. Jake Simpson pounced on the ball, advanced, and then unleashed a superb strike which rocketed into the top corner of the Blyth goal from 25 yards. Within minutes Simpson tried to emulate his devastating strike but defender Jordan Watson bravely flung himself in front of the fullback to block his shot.
Blyth responded when Dale free kick from wide almost found the head of Reid at the back post but Workington managed to clear as Reid went to attack the ball.
Workington responded immediately and extended their lead though substitute Scott Allison who found himself behind the Blyth defence and McHugh could do nothing to stop Allison’s shot flying over his head and in to the net.
In the dying minutes Richardson shot narrowly wide and a Dale free kick was collected with ease by Mitchell.
Blyth now travel to Hyde United on Saturday and the next game at Croft Park is on Tuesday 9th February when they entertain Ilkeston, kick off 7.45pm.
TEAMS:
Workington: 1. Alex Mitchell, 2. Jake Simpson, 3. Gari Rowntree (capt.), 4. Kyle May, 5. Sam Smith, 6. Anthony Wright, 7. Phil McLuckie, 8. Rob Wilson (14. Scott Allison 66), 9. Gareth Arnison (12. James Earle 66), 10. Joe McGee, 11. Conor Tinnion (Josh Calvert 88).
Unused subs: 16. Rob McCartney, 17. Kingsley Grandison
Blyth Spartans: 1. Adam McHugh, 2. Dillon Morse, 3. Jordon Watson, 4. Nathan Buddle. 5. Sean Reid, 6. Damen Mullen (15. Neal Hooks 93), 7. Arran Wearmouth, 8. Michael Richardson, 9. Wilson Kneeshaw, 11. Robert Dale (capt.)
Unused subs: 12. Ashley Davis, 14. Paul Robinson, 16. Alex Nicholson, 17. Fabian Otte
Referee: I. Gittens, Assistants: L. Marshall and E. Swallow