Blyth Spartans 2-1 Heaton Stannington Match Report

Blyth Spartans remained unbeaten at home this season with Jack Vaulks and Dan Lanning completing a first half comeback in a 2-1 win against local rivals Heaton Stannington.

The Stan broke the deadlock just 13 minutes in as former Spartan Cyril Giraud haunted his old club with a vicious left footed strike into the bottom corner.

Spartans responded quickly putting their opponents on the back foot with two set pieces, the first was a warning and the second was headed home by Vaulks on his 50th appearance for the club.

Lanning almost gave Spartans the lead after breaking in behind the Stan backline but he was denied from the outstretched leg of Mechack Kanda.

Marc Nash’s side took the lead five minutes before half time, Jordan Summerly slipped in Lanning who chopped onto his favoured right foot and slammed the ball home at the near post.

Half Time: Blyth Spartans 2-1 Heaton Stannington.

Giraud looked to make another impact on the game after half time after dancing his way into the Blyth box his effort was dragged wide of the post.

An interrupted second half saw plenty of set pieces awarded for both sides, none of which were converted despite lots of quality in the deliveries.

Blyth had a huge chance to seal the win late in the game as a move developed down the left channel ending with Paul Dudgeon arriving late at the back post but his effort was saved by Dan Lister.

Similarly deep into stoppage time Heaton Stannington had a huge chance through Leighton Hopper as he latched onto the end of an inviting cross but couldn't keep his effort on target.

Full Time: Blyth Spartans 2-1 Heaton Stannington.

A perfect response to Saturday's defeat in Workington leaves Blyth Spartans just outside the play-offs with another huge game on the horizon at Croft Park as Lincoln make the long trip to the North East, Saturday, 3 October, 3PM kick off.

Blyth Spartans - 69' On: Paul Dudgeon, Off: Paul Van-Zandvliet, 77' On: Nathan Kidd, Off: Dan Lanning, 85' On: Rio Joisce, Off: Ewan McGowan, 88' On: Zach Simpson, Off: Kuba Zmich.

Subs not used - Lincoln Pawlak.

Goals - 20' Jack Vaulks, 40' Dan Lanning.

Assists - 20' Jack Foalle, 40' Jordan Summerly.

Heaton Stannington - 37' On: Jay Hornsby, Off: Adam Gell, 70' On: Leighton Hopper, Off: Joe Shepherd, 73' On: Jay Errington, Off: Sado Djalo, 89' On: Tomas Boothroyd, Off: JJ Chrisp.

Subs not used - Kane Morris

Goals - 13' Cyril Giraud.

Yellow cards - 20' Sado Djalo, 63' Joe Shepherd, 89' Connor Walker.

Referee - Samuel Ross