FC United of Manchester v Blyth Spartans | Saturday, 18 January 2025 - 15:00 | League

FC United of Manchester v Blyth Spartans | Saturday, 18 January - 15:00 | League

Spartans were narrowly defeated 2-1 by FC United of Manchester despite having the lion share of possession throughout the game.

The home side took the lead through Jordan Buckley in the 20th minute, before he doubled his and United's tally in the nine minutes later.

Spartans substitute JJ Hooper ensured a nervy end to the game for the hosts with a goal in the 86th minute.

The match was Blyth's first game since New Year's Day following a series of postponements.

The game got off to a scrappy start with neither side able to create chances.

The only action of note inside the opening 10 minutes was Paddy Almond's crunching tackle on the halfway line, which the referee deemed a foul.

Spartans first effort came when Cyril Giraud stepped inside his man in the 16th minute but his curling effort went wide.

Spartans started to dominate the ball as the game approached the 20th minute before being stung on the counter. Buckley gave the hosts the lead when he appeared to have beat the offside trap before his strike struck the inside of the post before rolling across the line.

Spartans' response was immediate, with Giraud causing problems once again, this time he found himself in behind the defence before by being denied by United's goalkeeper.

The hosts continued to threaten on the break as Adam Le Fondre's attempt was tipped onto the post by Ollie Basey.

Buckley had his second in the 29th minute when he latched onto a loose back pass and slotted the ball into the bottom corner to give the hosts a two goal advantage.

In the 31st minute Matthew Ridley controlled the ball excellently inside United's penalty area but his volleyed attempt went wayward.

Giraud continued to impress as the half wore on and cut inside once again but his shot couldn't find the target.

Half time: FC United of Manchester 2-0 Blyth Spartans

Giraud started the second half the same way he ended the first, he hit the target from the edge of the area following a lay-off from first half substitute Hooper.

Spartans then had a golden opportunity to pull a goal back in the 49th minute when Daniel Myers cross from the left picked out Hooper around four yards out, but the striker couldn't convert.

Moments later, Doherty was dispossessed in his own half by Le Fondre but Basey was able to deny him one on one.

Spartans then broke up the other end with Giraud picking out Hooper, but both of his attempts from inside the area were blocked.

Gerald Sithole broke down the right with 55 minutes on the clock but his attempt from a tight angle was saved by Basey.

The home side continued to try and expose the Spartans defence on the counter. This time Le Fondre broke free down the right but he couldn't pick out Sithole.

Michael Donohue ran through the middle of Spartans' team in the 81st minute, but tried to square it instead of going for goal himself and the Spartans defenders recovered and cleared.

With only six minutes remaining, Spartans continued to work tirelessly and Giraud dug out a cross from the right but Alfie Doherty's effort was deflected into the arms of Conor O'Keefe.

Hooper pulled a goal back for Spartans in the 86th minute from close range after O'Keefe saved his initial attempt.

Giraud slid in hooper but his attempt whistled wide of the near post.

The referee indicated five minutes of additional time but Spartans unfortunately couldn't find the all important leveller.

Full time: FC United of Manchester 2-1 Blyth Spartans

FC United of Manchester Conor O'Keefe, Matthew Grivosti, Guy Hall, Noah Halford, Charles Hayes-Green, Declan Evans (C), Gerard Sithole (Jan Palinkas 90'), Charlie Munro, Adam Le Fondre (Charlie Ennis 76'), Jordan Buckley (Jordan Preston 37'), Jay Fitzmartin (Michael Donohue 65')

Goals Jordan Buckley (20',29')

Subs not used Declan McLoughlin

Yellow cards Guy Hall, Matthew Grivosti, Charlie Munro

Spartans Oliver Basey, Joe Oliver, Daniel Myers, Greg Halford (JJ Hooper 40'), Matthew Ridley, Patrick Almond, Cyril Giraud, Dean Briggs, Sam Hodgson, Alfie Doherty, Shay Richardson (Zack Simpson 55')

Goals JJ Hooper (86')

Subs not used Joe Dixon, Ben Fell, Joel Holvey

Referee Nathaniel Cox

Assistant Referees Andrew Woodhouse and Niall Evans

Attendance 1,604