In association with: Quantum Elite
FULL TIME: Blyth Spartans 0-1 FC United of Manchester(Fox 32)
Teams
Blyth Spartans: Jeffries, Nicholson, I Watson, J Watson, Buddle, Hooks, Wearmouth(Bell 85), Hutchinson, Maguire, Robinson(Rivers 74), Dale Subs not used: Sayer, Cummings, Mullen
FC United of Manchester: Carnell, Brownhill, Ashworth, Stott, Knowles, Lynch, Wolfenden(Daniels 65), Fox(Byrne 78), Norton(Bower 85), Wright, Greaves Subs not used: Birch, Cheetham
Referee: Matthew Dicicco
Updates:
FULL TIME: The Rebels get a narrow but deserved win as Joe Fox’s first half strike seals the points
90: First minute of injury time and Wright should have sealed it as he is played in on goal but rolls it wide of the far post
90: Chance for the Rebels to seal it as Wright drives at goal from the edge of the box but Buddle’s desperate challenge deflects it wide
85: A sub for each side Bower replaces Norton for the vistors, Spartans bring on Chris Bell for his second debut and he replaces Arran Wearmouth
78: FCUM sub Byrne on for Fox
74: Spartans first sub as Rivers comes on for Robinson
65: FCUM sub Daniels on for Wolfenden
62: Dale releases Robinson into the area and he dances around Stott but his low drive is saved by the legs of Carnell
55: Slack play from Robinson in midfield sees the Spartans man play the ball to Mike Norton. The Rebels striker hits a low drive from the edge of the area that is parried by Jeffries. The loose ball runs to Wright and he crashes a rising shot against the post.
46: Almost a wonder goal by Maguire as he collects Ian Watson’s ball over the top and volleys left footed from the angle of the area but Carnell acrobatically parries it away to safety
The teams are back out for the second half and the visitors get us underway. The attendance is confirmed as 623.
HALF TIME: Blyth Spartans 0-1 FC United of Manchester
45: In the third minute of injury time Brownhill sends in a free kick from the right and it’s met by the head of the unmarked Norton at the far post. He connects well and sends it back across goal but it’s cleared from inside the six yard box by Alex Nicholson
45: And FCUM go straight up the other end and Jeffries is forced into a superb block as Norton’s twelve yard drive is palmed away by the Spartans number one
45: A half chance for Spartans as Robinson’s corner from the left is met by Hutchinson but his header slips just past the far post
43: As Buddle challenges with Norton the loose ball runs to Wright thirty yards from goal. His snapshot with the outside of his right foot goes narrowly over Jeffries’ bar with the Spartans keeper scrambling back to his line.
32: GOAL The visitors take the lead as Joe Fox is first to the loose ball after Wright hits the cross bar BSAFC 0-1 FCUM
29: Another golden chance as Robbie Dale plays a majestic through ball to release Maguire, the striker is in on goal but after taking a touch to steady himself fires past the far post. Spartans should be ahead
25: Chance for Spartans as Robinson releases Wearmouth in on goal. The winger goes around keeper Carnell but his touch is too heavy and the chance is wasted.
11: A relatively quiet start to the game with neither side creating anything of note, the game has settled quickly though
2: In the opening stages the busiest man in the game is the FC United of Manchester physio as both Mike Norton and Chris Lynch both receive treatment for knocks
The teams are out at Croft Park and the famous old ground is basking in late summer evening sunshine. The crowd is building nicely here and we are almost ready to get underway and it is Spartans who will get us going as they attack the Tynetec Stand
Team News: One change from Saturday’s win over Halesowen Town as Paul Robinson comes in for the unavailable Dan Hawkins. There is a home debut for new addition Jordan Watson after he made his debut in the win over the Yeltz. Damen Mullen returns to the bench.