Blyth Spartans v Bishop Auckland | Saturday, 22 November 2025 - 15:00 | League

Blyth Spartans suffered a 2-1 defeat to fellow northeast strugglers Bishop Auckland at Croft Park on Saturday afternoon in the NPL East.

Another game where missed chances were punished for the home side, and despite impressive debuts from Spartans' new boys, they were unable to change the outcome, which has affected the hosts too often this season.

Spartans started the game as the more attacking side, creating lots of chances; a couple of them fell to Noah Millington, who was unable to convert and give the hosts the lead.

Against the run of play, the visitors took the lead through an own goal as Wayne Whitfield's low driven cross was turned in the net by the Spartans defender, handing the Two Blues a fortunate lead.

However, the lead didn't last long as Blyth pushed to get back into the game. Millington created space down the left-hand side with a mazey run before laying the ball up into the box, and the cross wasn't dealt with by Harrison Bond, whose poor clearance fell perfectly for Danny Anderson to smash the ball into the top corner, drawing the hosts level.

Despite more sustained pressure from Spartans, they were unable to take advantage, meaning the game remained level heading into the break.

Half time: Blyth Spartans 1-1 Bishop Auckland

Spartans started slower in the second half, allowing Bishop Auckland to dominate possession and create the better chances, but for all their dominance, the visitors couldn't create anything clear-cut.

Blyth grew into the second half after some positive changes from manager Marc Nash, matched by some changes from the visitors. Both sides sensed an opportunity to win the game as it reached the latter stages.

However, it was the visitors who took advantage through a scuffed shot on the edge of the box, which fortunately fell to the lively forward Dean Thexton, who slotted past Callum Dobson, handing Bishop Auckland their first victory in six league matches.

Full time: Blyth Spartans 1-2 Bishop Auckland