Basford United v Blyth Spartans | Saturday, 1 February 2025 - 15:00 | League

Blyth Spartans left Nottingham still looking for their first away win since 18th of September after a 3-1 defeat to Basford United.

The two teams went into half time goalless despite both sides having the ball in the net in the first half.

The home side broke the deadlock in the 57th minute through Matt Thornhill.

Spartans responded instantly with substitute Nicky Deverdics equalising in the 59th minute.

The game got away from Spartans in the closing stages however, with the hosts scoring in the 77th and 91st minute through Kane Richards and McKeal Abdullah respectively.

Spartans made three changes to the team that won 2-1 against Mickleover seven days prior, with Shay Richardson, Charlie Aitken and Mathew Griggs all coming into the line-up.

Richardson registered Spartans first shot of the contest in the fourth minute, with his long range attempt but it was dealt with by Saul Deeney.

A minute later, JJ Hooper flicked a long ball on to Aitken whose shot from a tight angle was saved.

Theo Hudson then got in behind the Spartans back line but his shot from a tight angle was saved by Ollie Basey.

Hudson threatened to get in behind once again but this time the ball ran out for a throw in.

The hosts came the closest to breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute when Gascoigne had a free header from a corner but his attempt was straight at Basey.

Ashley Chambers thought he had opened the scoring for the hosts in the 32nd minute, but his goal was ruled out due to the assistant referee's offside flag.

Briggs then came close for Spartans with a low drilled attempt that looked to be creeping into the bottom corner but Deeney got down well to deal with it.

Moments later the ball then fell to Hooper in the box. He then squared it to Aitken who found the back of the net but this time it was Spartans celebrations that were cut short due to the assistant referee's flag.

Half time: Basford United 0-0 Blyth Spartans

The home side started the strong of the two in the second half and took the lead from a free kick on the edge of the area following a foul on Chambers.

Thornhill curled the free kick into the bottom corner from around 20 yards out to give the hosts the lead before the hour mark.

However, Spartans responded instantly through Nicky Deverdics' deflected effort which levelled the game.

Richards regained Basford's lead 13 minutes from time. His close range effort beat Basey despite the Spartans goalkeeper getting a glove on it.

Abdullah made sure of all three points for the hosts in the 90th minute, when he converted from close range following a cross from the right.

Basey had to deny Basford a fourth in stoppage time when Chambers ran through one on one. The ball fell back to Chambers but his attempt was then cleared off the line.

Full time: Basford United 3-1 Blyth Spartans

Basford United | Saul Deeney, Taylor Anderson, Joshua Barnes, Matt Thornhill (C), Ethan Stewart, Brad Gascoigne (Jamie Williamson 66'), Revarnelle James (McKeal Abdullah 62'), Daniel Adiefeh, Theo Hudson (Jordan Hallam 78'), Ashley Chambers, Kane Richards

Goals | Matt Thornhill (57'), Kane Richards (77'), McKeal Abdullah (90+1')

Yellow cards | Daniel Adiefeh, McKeal Abdullah

Subs not used | Louis Nicholson, Rhys Sharpe

Blyth Spartans | Ollie Basey, Joe Oliver, Daniel Myers, Shay Richardson, Matthew Ridley ©, Paddy Almond, Matthew Griggs (Nicky Deverdics 45'), Charlie Aitken (Harry Gardiner 67'), JJ Hooper, Dean Briggs, Cyril Giraud

Subs not used | Will Constantin, Joel Holvey, Leon Burke,

Goals | Nicky Deverdics (59')

Yellow Cards | Cyril Giraud

Attendance | 357

Referee | Thomas Wall

Assistant Referees | Jakub Abratanski and Jonathon Hodgson