BY Stephen Burton
In association with:
ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant
Pre-season friendly
31st July 2021
HEBBURN TOWN 2-1 BLYTH SPARTANS
Robbie Dale’s first goal since coming out of retirement wasn’t enough as Spartans fell to a 2-1 defeat away to Hebburn Town.
The hosts took the lead after 13 minutes in fortunate circumstances as Carl Taylor deflected in a long range effort from his team mate Robbie Spence.
Dale hit back for Spartans within five minutes of the second half as he fired in a fine finish from close range.
But Hebburn hit back to retake the lead on 62 minutes as Taylor once again found the net, in what proved to be the winner for the hosts.
Michael Nelson named five changes as he looked for his side to kick-on from their impressive win against Hartlepool United in midweek.
But it was Hebburn who started brighter and should have taken an early lead when Ali Alshabeeb found space in the box, only to pull his effort wide of the target.
However it didn’t take long for the home side to get the lead their play deserved. The ball fell to Spence 25 yards out, but his effort looked to be drifting well wide until a touch from Taylor guided into the bottom corner.
The goal seemed to spark Blyth into life, particularly JJ O’Donnell, who tested the hands of former Spartan Mark Foden with a strike from the edge of the box, before miscuing a free header just a couple of minutes later.
Despite Spartans improvement though, it was Hebburn who continued to impress with Alex Mitchell being called into action twice in quick succession.
First off he stood tall to deny Alshabeeb as he raced clear in the box, before denying Amar Purewal from close range a few seconds later.
Purewal then had a fantastic chance on the stroke of half time with a free header, but again Mitchell was on hand to produce a fine stop.
Nelson made a number of changes at half time, and they had an instant impact, as soon after the restart Dale was on hand to convert a low cross with a clinical finish.
Chances were then few and far between until Taylor once again popped up to put the home side ahead with a low finishjust after the hour mark.
Spartans struggled to create as game went on, with the only effort of note coming from substitute Jamie Clark after a dangerous run into the box, however his effort was deflected wide.
The home side continued to look dangerous but the Blyth defence stood strong, with Rhys Evans and Trialist denying Purewal and Taylor with some impressive last ditch defending.
Ultimately it was day of frustration with Blyth unable to find a breakthrough as the game petered out in the closing stages.
Spartans will now turn their attention to their clash with Newcastle United under-23s on Tuesday as Nelson side continue their preseason preparations.
Hebburn Town | Foden, Groves, Aplin, McLeod, Donaghy, Carson, Potter, Spence, Purewal, Taylor, Alshabeeb (12)
Goals: Taylor 13’, 62’
Blyth Spartans | Mitchell, Evans, Trialist, Lees (Trialist 45’), Liddle (Watson 45’), Byrne (Clarks 69’), Painter, O’Donnell © (Deverdics 45’), McKeown (Hickey 45’), Gillies, McNall(Dale 45’) Subs not used |Trialist
Goals: Dale 4