Consett v Blyth Spartans | Tuesday, 12 August 2025 - 19:45 | League

Blyth Spartans suffered late heartbreak on Tuesday night as a stoppage-time goal from Eddie Thomas saw Consett all three points at Belle View Stadium.

Both sides came into the game looking to respond after opening-day defeats - Blyth having lost to Redcar Athletic, and Consett edged out 2-1 by Grimsby Borough.

Spartans made the brighter start, eager to make amends for Saturday's flat performance. Early pressure put the hosts on the back foot, and the first big chance came from excellent work down the left by Jonny Nyantou. Reaching the byline, he cut the ball back perfectly for Dean Briggs, but the midfielder's strike from 10 yards was well saved by Consett goalkeeper Harry Moss.

The hosts also threatened in the opening exchanges, but Spartans keeper Callum Dobson produced a series of strong stops to keep them at bay.

Blyth broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark. A lofted pass down the left from Jake Dobinson was chased down by Benjamin Shodeinde, who beat his marker to the loose ball and drove towards goal. Opening his body up, the forward calmly slotted into the bottom-right corner to give Spartans a deserved lead.

Half time: Blyth Spartans 1-0 Consett AFC

Consett came out strongly after the break, and their pressure paid off 10 minutes in. A low delivery into the area found Matty Todd, who managed to dig the ball out from under his feet and guide it into the bottom-left corner to level the scores.

The Steelmen continued to push forward, and Spartans' task became harder with 10 minutes to go when Dobinson, already on a booking, brought down a counter-attack and received a second yellow card.

Despite being a man down, Blyth almost retook the lead when Shodeinde broke down the left and whipped in a cross that evaded Moss before striking the woodwork. A flurry of rebound efforts followed, along with a strong handball appeal, but the referee waved play on.

In the dying moments, Consett's pressure finally told. A goalmouth scramble ended with the ball at the feet of Eddie Thomas at the back post, and he smashed home to secure victory for the hosts.

Full time: Blyth Spartans 1-2 Consett AFC

Goals - Shodeinde 34'.

Yellow cards - Jake Dobinson (x2), Danny Anderson

Goals - Matty Todd 55', Eddie Thomas 90'.

Yellow cards - Jordan Patterson

Referee - Thomas Lishman