Blyth Spartans narrowly edged out in form Lincoln United in a crucial NPL East fixture thanks to Paul Dudgeon’s first half strike.

Lincoln started brightly and should’ve taken the lead through Daniel Emmanuel who received the ball six yards out but was denied by the outstretched leg of Callum Dobson.

Within 30 seconds of that save Blyth found themselves leading, a fluid counter allowed Dan Lanning to force a save which fell at the feet of Dudgeon who converted calmly.

Marc Nash’s side will have been disappointed not to be more than one ahead at the break with Jack Foalle having two efforts saved in quick succession.

Half Time: Blyth Spartans 1-0 Lincoln United.

Lincoln were limited to clear cut chances in the first half which continued after the restart due to frequent breaks in play.

Foalle and Kuba Zmich both had efforts saved by the Whites goalkeeper late in the game while Lincoln tried their luck from a free kick on the edge of the box but the hosts dealt with the threat well.

Similar to the Heaton Stannington game on Tuesday, Blyth came under pressure very late in the game, a true test of their resolute defending in front of the 768 home fans in attendance.

Dobson was once again forced into a save from point black range with Spartans dealing with successive set pieces and throw ins into the area to claim another three points and preserve their impressive record at Croft Park.

Full time: Blyth Spartans 1-0 Lincoln United.

Spartans next match is at Croft Park as they welcome Newcastle Blue Star for Northumberland Senior cup action, Tuesday, 6 September 7:30pm kick off.

Blyth Spartans - 12’ On: Lincoln Pawlak, Off: Jordan Summerly, 76’ On: Robbie Spence, Off: Kuba Zmich, 84’ On: Rio Joisce and Paul Van-Zandvliet, Off: Paul Dudgeon and Ewan McGowan.

Subs not used - Zach Simpson.

Goals - 11’ Paul Dudgeon.

Yellow cards - 55’ Jordan Hickey, 59’ Paul Dudgeon.

Lincoln United - 65’ On: Rio Molyneaux, Fin Armond and Charlie Ward, Off: Max Baker, Haydn Harvard and Harvey Parkinson-Maynard, 86’ On: Harry Millard, Off: Mylo Baker.

Subs not used - Lewis Marsh.

Yellow cards - 25’ Alan Power, 66’ Rio Molyneaux, 91’ Harry Millard.

Referee - Martin Dauber