Brighouse Town v Blyth Spartans | Saturday, 21 March 2026 - 15:00 | League

Blyth Spartans edged closer to NPL East survival after victory in a huge clash with Brighouse Town.

Jack Vaulks opened the scoring just after half time, but Brighouse responded with a goal of their own from Rhys Plater.

Spartans eventually won the game after some late changes, Paul Dudgeon regained the lead for the away side before Paul Van-Zandvliet sealed a perfect afternoon.

Marc Nash made two changes from Spartans 2-2 draw with North Ferriby, bringing Spencer Ashcroft and Rio Joisce into the squad replacing the injured Jordan Summerly and Kyle Downey - who dropped to the bench.

Pitch conditions made it difficult for either team to control the opening 45, however, Spartans keeper Callum Dobson was forced into action pulling off a brilliant save to keep the score level from close range.

Half time: Brighouse Town 0-0 Blyth Spartans

Blyth started the second in perfect style, a set piece fell kindly at the feet of Vaulks who calmly slotted home in the 48th minute.

Brighouse did respond in the 64th minute with a set piece of their own, the ball set nicely on the edge of the box to Plater who smashed home across goal to bring the game level.

Spartans made changes which sparked an instant reaction, substitute Jesse Gomez was the heartbeat, beating the Brighouse press with a smart pass into the area to Jamie Clark. Clark found Gomez again on the edge of the area, who picked out Dudgeon who placed home giving the away side the lead heading into the final ten minutes.

Spartans then cemented the victory as Van-Zandvliet found space on the edge of the area and pulled off a brilliant strike to hand Spartans a second away victory in their last three games.

Spartans next match is on Saturday, 28 March as they travel to Newton Aycliffe, what will be another opportunity for Spartans to pull away from the drop zone.

Full time: Brighouse Town 1-3 Blyth Spartans

Blyth Spartans - Subs: 77' On: Jamie Clark and Jesse Gomez, Off: Rio Joisce and Lucas Taylor, 80' On: Kyle Downey, Off: Zach Simpson, 86' On: Andrew Evans, Off: Paul Dudgeon, 92' On: Danny Anderson, Off: Jack Foalle.

Goals - 48' Jack Vaulks, 79' Paul Dudgeon, 91' Paul Van-Zandvliet

Other Team - Subs: 61' On: Jack Mason, Off: Harry Wood

Goals - 64' Rhys Plater.

Yellow cards - 70' Kane Richardson, 87' James Murray.