Blyth Spartans v Gainsborough Trinity | Saturday, 19 October 2024 - 15:00 | League

Blyth Spartans produced a spirited performance but ultimately fell short as Gainsborough Trinity ran out winners at Croft Park.

An 11th minute own goal from Spartans defender Matt Ridley gave the away side the lead, before Declan Howe doubled their advantage 10 minutes after the break.

JJ Hooper gave Blyth hope as he converted from the penalty spot in the 81st minute, but the hosts couldn't find an equaliser.

Spartans boss Michael Connor made two changes from the side that lost away to Workington last weekend, with Ridley and Hooper returning to the starting line up.

Blyth started well, and within the first few minutes Hooper stung the palms of Dylan Wharton with a low shot from the edge of the box.

Despite a promising start, Spartans fell behind with Gainsborough's first real chance of the game. A lofted ball into the box, aiming for Howe, was met by the head of Ridley but he could only divert it into his own net.

Spartans, however, didn't let their heads drop and could have had an equaliser on the 20-minute mark. Leon Burke did well to intercept a pass as Gainsborough played out from the back, he played a great ball through to Hooper but he was denied once more by Wharton.

Gainsborough did have large spells of possession, but the Blyth defence kept them at bay, with Matt Bancroft's goal rarely threatened in the first half with Spartans unlucky to go in behind at the interval.

Half time: Blyth Spartans 0-1 Gainsborough Trinity

Blyth started the second half well, and went close within the first few minutes as Shay Richardson's defence splitting pass almost put Charlie Aitken through on goal but Wharton did well to anticipate and clear.

Moments later Giraud twisted and turned in the box before firing a low strike at goal, but again the Gainsborough keeper was there to deny Spartans an equaliser.

The visitors then had an excellent chance to double their lead as Howe ran on to a ball over the top, he had time to pick his spot but could only find the inside of the post and Blyth scrambled the ball clear.

On 54 minutes Howe latched onto another long ball and, through once again, didn't make the same mistake and struck his finish low past Bancroft to make it 2-0.

Blyth suddenly looked vulnerable as Gainsborough dominated the ball and put the home side under pressure.

But Spartans still managed to pose a threat, as Aitken's shot on the turn was well saved by Wharton at full stretch with 20 minutes to go.

On 81 minutes Blyth were given some hope that they could get something from the game as Hooper scored from the spot after Giraud was tripped in the box.

Sensing a comeback Spartans pushed forward but Gainsborough managed the game well in the closing stages as they saw out the win.

Full time: Blyth Spartans 1-2 Gainsborough Trinity

Blyth Spartans - Bancroft, Oliver, Holvey, Richardson, Ridley (McClafferty 71'), Almond, Giraud, Burke, Hooper, Aitken, Deverdics (C) (Whittaker 75')

Subs not used - Reed, Milburn, Proctor

Goals - Hooper (81' pen)

Gainsborough Trinity - Wharton, Hornshaw (Helliwell 84'), Jackson, Conway (Johnson 63'), Lancaster, Cogill (C), Durose (Simpson 71'), Devine, Clarke (Butroid 78'), Howe, Hallam (Preston 45')

Goals - Ridley (11' og), Howe (54')