Blyth Spartans v Newton Aycliffe | Tuesday, 19 August 2025 - 19:45 | League

Blyth Spartans secured a massive three points with a 2-1 victory over Newton Aycliffe at Croft Park.

The result was the first win of the season and will hopefully be the first building block in a successful campaign.

It was the visitors who dominated the early exchanges and found the lead after seven minutes through Lucas Lowery's stunning curling effort that found the top corner of Callum Dobson's net.

The Cliffe kept pushing forward, but Blyth got a grip on the game and went close to levelling when captain Shay Richardson rattled the crossbar from 20 yards.

Newton Aycliffe then found their way through again as Jack Clarkson threaded the ball to Lavery, who was unable to grab his second as he sent his effort wide of the post.

Colin Myers' side had chances of their own through Kyle Downey and Benji Shodeinde, but couldn't take advantage.

The breakthrough for the hosts came on the half-hour mark when the ball fell to Jack Wilson, who drilled the ball home to make it 1-1.

Half time: Blyth Spartans 1-1 Newton Aycliffe

The Spartans picked up where they left off in the second half and took just three minutes to win a penalty with Harvey Rudd brought down in the penalty area.

Shodeinde stepped up to take it and perfectly found the bottom corner to take the lead, before finding the net again moments later, only to have it chalked off for offside.

Blyth knew they'd have some work to do to retain their lead and goalkeeper Dobson was forced into action with a fine flying stop to keep the visitors out 65 minutes in.

Newton Aycliffe pushed forward in the last 20 minutes and forced Dobson into a last-gasp save late on from a fizzing effort from range.

But a Spartan-like display saw Blyth nullify the threat and see out the game for a crucial win under the lights.

Full time: Blyth Spartans 2-1 Newton Aycliffe