Blyth Spartans Reserves crashed out of the Northumberland FA Senior Benevolent Cup at the hands of Ponteland Utd, who play in the Bay Plastics Premier Division, one league above the Reserves.
This difference in leagues was very obvious in the first half as the Spartans struggled to match the pace and passing of the visitors. Both teams seem to be making many mistakes when passing due to both teams plating in stripe shirts, black shorts and dark socks. At the end of the first half the Reserves trailed by three nil and it was looking like game over.
When the teams came out for the second half, the visitors had donned blue bips, which helped not only the spectators but the players as passing accuracy improved massivley,
The reserves pulled back an early goal and for much of the half fought hard for a second. They did have many opportunities, but where met by a strong and physical Ponteland back line. As legs tired and the midfield opened up with Blyth pushing forwards, the visitors broke forward and made it four one and placed the tie well out of reach for the young Spartans.
A selection of match images by Bill Broadley
