Blyth Spartans 3-2 Newcastle Blue Star Northumberland Senior Cup Match Report.

Blyth Spartans edged past Northern League Division One side Newcastle Blue Star in a thrilling Northumberland Senior Cup clash extending their unbeaten run at Croft Park to 10 games.

Blue Star led at half time through Guildo Da Silva but Paul Van-Zandvliet’s quick double in the second half turned the game on its head.

Substitute Jakub Zych brought the game level from the spot with just minutes left of the 90 but former Blue Star forward Dan Lanning grabbed the matchwinner deep into stoppage time.

An even start to the game saw both Spartans and Blue Star attempting to play on the counter however neither side created anything concrete in the opening 20 minutes.

In the 27th minute Blyth made a costly mistake in the centre of the pitch which allowed Da Silva to break at pace and convert calmly into the bottom corner.

Half Time: Blyth Spartans 0-1 Newcastle Blue Star.

Paul Brayson’s side came out of the blocks in the second half and really should have improved their stronghold on the game.

A five minute flurry from the visitors saw Da Silva’s effort deflected onto the bar, Elliot McClen smashed the post from a couple of yards out and Callum Dobson pulled off a top save to deny Usman Ogidan from a one on one situation.

Marc Nash brought fresh legs off the bench injecting life into the hosts which was rewarded in the 66th minute, a delicious delivery from Ewan McGowan was attacked by Van-Zandvliet at the back post bringing the game level.

Blyth completed the turnaround in the 72nd minute, a Rio Joisce snapshot on the edge of the box forced a save out of Oliver Holland parried the ball into the path of the oncoming Van-Zandvliet who tapped home.

Blue Star were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute after Spencer Ashcroft fouled Kane Morris in the area, Zych stepped up and converted past Dobson with the game seemingly heading to spotkicks.

In the final minute of stoppage time Spartans broke at pace through Charlie Wood, the ball made its way to Lanning on the edge of the area who composed himself and unleashed a rocket into the top corner causing Croft Park to erupt into bedlam.

Full Time: Blyth Spartans 3-2 Newcastle Blue Star.

Blyth make the short trip to Teeside for their next NPL East fixture as they face off against Guisborough Town on Saturday, 10 October, 3pm kick off.

Blyth Spartans - On: Jordan Hickey, Rio Joisce and Spencer Ashcroft, Off: Lincoln Pawlak, Robbie Spence and Nathan Kidd 56', On: Zach Simpson, Off: Jakub Zmich 61', On: Charlie Wood, Off: Rhys Evans 78'

Goals - Paul Van-Zandvliet 66', 72', Dan Lanning 96'

Assists - Ewan McGowan 66', 96'

Yellow cards - Ewan McGowan 43', Jack Vaulks 84', Spencer Ashcroft 93'

Newcastle Blue Star - On: Danny Anderson, Off: Craig Scott 56', On: Jakub Zych, Off: Usman Ogidan 69', On: Kane Morris, Off: Alfie Coulthard 73', On: Joe Eggleston, Off: Joseph Abrahart 78'

Subs not used - Richard Scorgie

Goals - Guildo Da Silva 27', Jakub Zych 88' (pen)

Referee - Elliot Cowen