Blyth Spartans v Mickleover Sports | Saturday, 25 January 2025 - 15:00 | League

Blyth Spartans v Mickleover | Saturday, 25th January 2025 - 15:15 | League

Blyth Spartans were victorious in their clash with fellow strugglers Mickleover to give Michael Connor the first win of his tenure at the club.

Mickleover took the lead in the first half through Dylan Edwards against the run of play as Blyth had the majority of the chances in the opening stages. They were able to turn it around the second half thanks to goals from Cyril Giraud and Charlie Aitken.

Blyth made 2 changes to the side that lost 3-0 to Ashton United in the last game. Giraud and Casey replaced Thompson and Bancroft. Richardson and Deverdics returned on the bench.

Spartans had a strong start to the game when in the 1st minute, Giraud dribbled his way into the box from the left hand side of the pitch and had an effort towards the near post that was saved by Mersin.

Giraud continued to cause problems for Mickleover down the left wing when he managed to win off a defender send a ball down the wing for Myers to float in a ball towards Hooper, who took the ball down and unleashed a strike at goal that saved by Mersin.

In the 20th minute, both sides were forced into changes when Hodgson and Atkinson clashed heads and had to receive treatment. Hodgson was replaced by Richardson and Atkinson was replaced by Brown.

Dales managed to put some pressure on the Blyth goal for Mickleover but his effort from outside the box in the 25th minute was comfortably saved by Basey. This was followed by an effort a few minutes later, that was deflected just wide of the far post.

Spartans went a goal down despite dominating large spells of the game. Dylan Edwards got a goal for Mickleover in the 36th minute when he managed to finish off a counter-attack from a Blyth corner.

Giraud had a chance a few minutes later when he managed to get his head on the end of a cross by Doherty but went just wide of the far post.

Spartans were then forced into another substitution in stoppage time when a heavy tackle on Zack Simpson meant that he had to be replaced by Charlie Aitken.

Half time: Blyth Spartans 0-1 Mickleover FC

Blyth got off to a great start when they managed to equalise in the 47th minute with Cyril Giraud cutting in from the left wing and striking at goal towards the far post past Mersin in the Mickleover's net.

Spartans continued to push on for a goal to take the lead. Briggs had an audacious effort from outside the box that looked like it might dip in under the bar but Mersin was just able to tip it over.

In the 55th minute, Charlie Aitken nearly gave Blyth the lead when he nearly missed a teasing cross from Doherty that went across the face of goal.

He got his goal though in the 58th minute when he charged in from the left side and slotted past Mersin into the back of the net to give Blyth the lead.

Blyth produced a fantastic defensive display in order to keep Mickleover at bay in the closing stages of the game. Mickleover continued put pressure on the Spartans goal but Almond and Ridley were able to keep them from getting clear chances at goal.

Spartans held on to win the match and give Michael Connor his first win as Blyth Spartans manager and the first win for the club in 2025.

Full time: Blyth Spartans 2-1 Mickleover FC

Blyth Spartans - Basey, Oliver (Holvey, 45), Giraud, Ridley (c), Myers, Almond, Doherty, Briggs (Deverdics, 82), Hooper, Simpson (Aitken, 45+6), Hodgson (Richardson, 21)

Subs not used - Fell

Goals - Giraud (47) Aitken (58)

Yellow cards - Simpson (45)

Mickleover FC - Mersin, Ferron (Smith, 64), Wilson, Weston, Galinski, Atkinson (Brown, 20), Edwards (Buah, 63), Hollingsworth, Beavon (Carter, 78), Dales (c), Barnes

Goals - Edwards (36)

Yellow cards - Barnes (90+2)

Referee - Chris Ellis