Blyth Spartans v Consett | Friday, 19 December 2025 - 19:45 | League

Spartans fell to another defeat in the NPL East against 10-man Consett on Friday Evening with Isaac Walker starring on his return to Croft Park.

Spartans started the game brightly, however it was the visitors who took the early lead, a looping cross into the box wasn't dealt with well enough by the hosts allowing the ball to fall at the feet of Walker who slotted home.

Blyth had plenty of half chances in the first half but struggled to pose any major threat to the visitors lead, Consett almost doubled their lead before the half hour mark, another cross was delivered into the box but Callum Dobson was on hand to prevent the header with a superb save.

More Consett pressure was applied by Walker who jinked his way to the edge of the box and fired a low strike towards goal but the post denied him from doubling his tally, Blyth were forced into a late change at the end of the first half after Kyle Downey picked up a knock he was replaced by Rio Joisce.

Half time: Blyth Spartans 0-1 Consett AFC

A defensive error at the beginning of the second half for Blyth allowed the visitors to double their lead, a pass across the 18 yard box was intercepted by Walker who laid the ball off unselfishly to Donny Holdsworth allowing him to convert calmly past Callum Dobson.

The second goal provoked a reaction from Spartans, a cross was whipped into the box towards Jack Foalle who managed to get his head to the ball first but could only nod wide of the mark.

Spartans did eventually get back into the game through Foalle, a loose ball in the box was pounced on quickest by the forward who managed to poke the ball past Harry Moss giving Blyth a lifeline with 20 minutes still to play.

Things got better for Blyth as former Spartans defender Jake Dobinson was sent off for Consett just minutes after being substituted onto the pitch, a high tackle on Paddy McClafferty left the referee with no choice but to issue a red card.

Blyth gained confidence with the extra man and pushed to level the game before the 90, their best chance fell to Michael Fowler who turned his defender well inside the Consett box and fired towards goal, however his low strike bounced back out off the post, agonisingly close for Blyth.

The visitors managed the game well and were defensively strong through stoppage time as they held on to take all three points from Croft Park.

Full time: Blyth Spartans 1-2 Consett AFC

Goals - Walker 11', Holdsworth 52', Foalle 70'

Yellow cards - Downey 45'

Referee - Stephen Beresford