Ashington AFC v Blyth Spartans | Friday, 26 December 2025 - 13:00 | League

A fantastic ending to 2025 for Blyth Spartans as Jack Foalle's goal in first half stoppage time was enough to hand Marc Nash a much needed victory against Ashington AFC.

It took a matter of minutes for the 'Spine Road Derby' to explode as Chris Reid saw red for a dangerous tackle on Paul Van Zandvliet handing Spartans a massive advantage.

Despite having the extra man Spartans struggled to create anything clearcut for the majority of the first half, The Colliers were happy to sit deep and allow Blyth to have lots of possession.

Ten minutes before half time both sides had their best opening, a last ditch interception prevented Foalle from converting into an empty net before Ashington powered up the other end on the counter attack through Craig Spooner who was unable to convert and give the home side the lead.

However Spartans eventually made the extra man count in first half stoppage time, Michael Fowler collected the ball down the right flank and whipped an excellent first time cross into the danger area forcing the Ashington goalkeeper to flap and misjudge the cross leaving Foalle to head home into an empty net.

Half time: Ashington AFC 0-1 Blyth Spartans AFC

Blyth made one change at the break with Noah Millington replacing Rio Joisce, they were much more front footed and aggressive at the beginning of the second half with the lead and the extra man in their favour, Foalle had an opportunity to double his tally for the day but smashed his shot wide at the near post.

Spartans posed a huge threat from set pieces throughout the game and almost capitalised as a wicked delivery was whipped to the back post towards Van-Zandvliet who headed back across the front of goal but no Blyth player was on hand to convert.

Spartans utilised their bench later on in the half, Dan Maw and Jack Chapman replaced Paul Dudgeon and Charlie Wood five minutes before the end of the 90. Jordan Summerly also had to be replaced due to injury and Kyle Downey was his replacement to see out the rest of the game.

Deep into second half stoppage time Ashington threw everything at Spartans similar to the earlier encounter that played out this season, a long ball was pumped forward for the hosts with three players gambling to get onto the end of it, they were unable to convert with the offside flag sparing Blyth of another late concession resulting in a first league win since October.

Full time: Ashington AFC 0-1 Blyth Spartans AFC

Goals - Jack Foalle 45'

Assists - Michael Fowler

Yellow cards - Danny Anderson 39', Charlie Wood 66'

Ashington

Yellow cards - Donaldson 18'

Red card - Reid 5'

Referee - Tyler Dutton