Gainsborough Trinity v Blyth Spartans | Saturday, 15 February 2025 - 15:00 | League

Blyth Spartans suffered a heavy defeat away to Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday afternoon.

The home side took an early lead through Fraser Preston in the eighth minute before they doubled their lead 15 minutes in through Preston once again.

It was three after 25 minutes through Declan Howe before Ashley Jackson added a fourth on the half hour mark.

The hosts added a fifth in the 85th minute through Will Lancaster before JJ Hooper added a consolation goal for Blyth deep into stoppage time.

Spartans conceded a free kick on the edge of their own area and the resulting free kick was curled in by Preston to give the hosts an early lead.

The hosts doubled their lead in the 15th minute with Preston again. This time Lewis Butroid played the corner to the edge of area and Preston's left footed curling effort struck the inside of the post before going in.

It was 3-0, nine minutes later when a corner from the left was headed in by Howe making it three goals from three set pieces inside the first half an hour.

Ashley Jackson then capitalised on a mix up between defender and goalkeeper and lofted the ball over Alexander Walpole for Gainsborough's fourth.

Half time: Gainsborough Trinity 4-0 Blyth Spartans

Hooper saw a header strike the post but the referee had already awarded a free kick for the hosts.

Substitute Charlie Aitken tried his luck from a narrow angle in the 54th minute but his effort was wide.

Walpole went down injured and was substituted in the 68th minute after attempting to gather a corner. following the lengthy stoppage Walpole made way for Leon Burke with Matthew Ridley going in goal.

The hosts had their fifth in the 85th minute when Lancaster met a corner at the near post and Ridley couldn't handle it.

Hooper ensured Gainsborough wouldn't keep a clean sheet when he headed home a free kick from the left.

Full time: Gainsborough Trinity 5-1 Blyth Spartans

Gainsborough Trinity Dylan Wharton, Aaron Simpson (George Hornshaw 71'), Ashley Jackson, Bobby Johnson (Danny Devine 65'), Will Lancaster, Dylan Cogill (C), Lewis Butroid (Bailey Conway 76'), Jordan Helliwell, Javelle Clarke (Curtis Durose 72'), Dec Howe, Fraser Preston (Sisa Tuntulwana 80')

Goals Fraser Preston (8', 17'), Declan Howe (24'), Ashley Jackson (30'), Will Lancaster (85')

Blyth Spartans Alexander Walpole (Leon Burke 68'), Joe Oliver (Nicky Deverdics 45'), Daniel Myers, Shay Richardson, Matthew Ridley (C), Patrick Almond, Cyril Giraud (Joe Dixon 75'), Dean Briggs (Charlie Aitken 45'), JJ Hooper, Joel Holvey, Harry Gardiner (Matthew Griggs 45').

Goals JJ Hooper (90+7)

Referee Conor Ledgeway

Assistant Referees George Smith and Mark Shield

Attendance 503