By Stephen Burton
In association with:
ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant
Vanarama National League North
Saturday, April 9th 2022
AFC TELFORD UNITED 2-2 BLYTH SPARTANS
First Spartans goals for Danny Barlow and Angelo Cappello weren’t quite enough for Blyth as an injury time equalised ensured a share of the points at New Bucks Head.
Jason Oswell headed the hosts into the lead in first-half injury time, before substitutes Cappello and Barlow turned the game on it’s head. However Devarn Green popped up with a dramatic equaliser for the home side, three minutes into added time.
Spartans boss Terry Mitchell was forced into three changes from the side that drew away to Boston United last weekend, with Robbie Dale, Jordan Hickey and Dan Maguire missing due to injury.
It was an even start as both sides struggled to create any chances, with the first shot on target not coming until almost the 20 minute mark as Devarn Green stole the ball in midfield and fired a low shot straight at Alex Mitchell.
Shortly after there was a lengthy stoppage as one of the linesmen picked up an injury, leading to a PA announcer asking if there was a qualified official in the stands. Thankfully an official was found and the game was able to continue.
After the stoppage Spartans came out flying with Connor Thomson and JJ O’Donnell, both going close from distance.
But just as a Blyth looked the mostly likely to score next it was the hosts that took the lead as Oswell beat Mitchell to a looping cross to nod Telford into the lead.
Spartans started the second-half brightly with Lewis McNall seeing an effort well blocked before Thomson against went close with a long-range strike.
Moments later Thomson almost had Blyth ahead but just couldn’t adjust his body to properly connect with McNall’s cross.
Just after the hour, Cappello entered the fray and changed the game for Spartans as his pace caused the Telford defence no end of problems.
The winger got his reward on 70 minutes, racing on to McNall’s through ball before firing into the bottom corner, and just seconds later almost got a second as his low drive was deflected inches wide.
Just under 10 minutes later it was Barlow’s turn to come on, and within minutes he put Blyth in front as Cappello found space on the left and drilled a low ball across goal that the former Whickham man turned in at the far post.
It seemed that Blyth had seen off Telford’s threat as we went into the final moments, only for Green to spark jubilation for the hosts as he finished at the back-post to ensure a share of the points.
AFC Telford United | Pilling, Piggott ©, Flowers, Daniels (Evans 68’), Burke, Melhado, Oswell, Nolan (Marshall 84’), Moore, Green, Ward (Goodridge 73’) Subs not used | Bood, Lilly
Goals | Oswell 45’, Green 90’
Blyth Spartans | Mitchell, Liddle, Reid (Cappello 62’), Buddle ©, O’Donnell, McNall (Barlow 77’), McKeown, Deverdics, Lees, Thomson, Almond Subs not used | Djalo, Robson
Goals | Cappello 69’, Barlow 82’
Referee | Paul Cooper
Attendance | 1,341