Heaton Stannington v Blyth Spartans | Wednesday 25th February 2026 - 19:45 | League

Spartans earned an important point in tough conditions away at play-off-chasing Heaton Stannington, as nothing could separate the two sides on Wednesday night.

Blyth struck first with their opening chance of the game. Zach Simpson did exceptionally well in midfield to skip past his marker with quick feet before threading a sublime pass through to Jack Foalle, sending the forward clear on goal. Foalle kept his composure and slotted past Alfie Gordon to give the Spartans the perfect start away from home.

The Stan began to respond after going a goal down, opting to go direct into the channels to stretch the Spartans' back line on a pitch that wasn't suited to keeping the ball on the deck.

They got their reward in the 22nd minute when striker Dale Pearson reacted quickest to a rebound, volleying home via a deflection to beat Callum Dobson, levelling things up.

Heaton Stann had two great chances to take the lead just before the break. Pearson, searching for his brace, saw his close-range effort blocked and turned behind for a corner. From the resulting corner, former Spartans defender Ben Milburn blazed his shot over the bar from six yards.

Half time: Heaton Stannington 1-1 Blyth Spartans

Spartans thought they had taken the lead minutes into the second half when Jordan Summerly let fly on his weaker foot from the edge of the area, but the effort crashed off the left post and away to keep the scores level.

Dobson was called into action in the 65th minute when Andy Burn fired towards the bottom corner, producing an excellent save low to his right to deny the home side the lead.

With under 20 minutes to go, Gordon produced an important close-range stop to keep the Spartans out as they pushed for a winner in the closing stages.

The match finished all square in the end as both sides battled hard in tough conditions, but Blyth can take confidence from their second-half performance ahead of Saturday's home clash with Lincoln United.

Full time: Heaton Stannington 1-1 Blyth Spartans

Blyth Spartans - 70' On: Paul Dudgeon, Off: Danny Anderson, 85' On: Lucas Taylor & Jamie Clark, Off: Michael Fowler & Kyle Downey

Goals - Jack Foalle 8'

Assists - Zach Simpson 8'

Yellow cards - Paul Van-Zandvliet 91'

Heaton Stannington - 18' On: Andy Burn, Off: Alex Payne, 71' On: Konner Lamb, Off: Jay Errington, 84' On: Max Storey, Off: Ben Milburn

Goals - Dale Pearson 22'

Referee - Liam Batie