Matlock Town v Blyth Spartans | Saturday, 24 January 2026 - 15:00 | League

Spartans were defeated on the road after a valiant display against promotion-chasing Matlock Town on Saturday afternoon.

Blyth had a good chance early doors when Jack Foalle and Michael Fowler combined, with Fowler's header just flying over the bar. Spartans were on top for the opening 30 minutes; the Gladiators did threaten, but the visitors were enjoying having the lion's share of possession and pinning the hosts back.

In the latter stages of the half, Matlock started to ramp up the pressure on the Spartans' backline, with striker Connor Washington forcing Callum Dobson into a key save at close range. A few minutes later, the home side came close again with a shot being cleared off the line, with Blyth desperate to get to halftime.

It would be the Spartans who would end the half on a positive note when Paul Van-Zandvliet's low driven cross would look to find Rio Joisce at the back post with an empty net to finish in, but it just missed the forward, and the sides went in level at the break.

Half time: Matlock Town 0-0 Blyth Spartans

Matlock started the second half straight out of the blocks, with Dobson being forced into a save at full stretch to keep the score level.

Spartans would respond with their best chance of the game a few minutes later. Foalle broke in-behind the Matlock defence, creating a two-on-one situation with Fowler against the defender. Foalle opted to shoot across the goal, and it just flew past the post.

Blyth would not be disheartened and, a couple of minutes later, had the ball in the back of the net. Joisce's cross found Fowler at the back post, and the striker finished with aplomb, all for it to be chalked off by the assistant who had his flag raised.

The visitors continued their attacking pressure on Matlock, with full-back Jordan Summerly seeing his effort denied at point-blank range by Dylan Wharton in goal.

A minute later, Matlock would break the deadlock. A direct counterattack from a Blyth corner would see Washington link up well with Cameron Wilson, and the former Northern Ireland international finished low into the corner to give the hosts the lead.

Blyth would have their final chance in the last 10 minutes. Foalle went close again at the back post, but Wharton produced a great save to keep Spartans out and protect his side's lead.

It finished 1-0 to Matlock in the end, a solid performance from Spartans away from home at one of the best sides in the league. Marc Nash and his squad can come away with their heads held high after matching the Gladiators for most of the 90, but will rue the key chances missed.

Full time: Matlock Town 1-0 Blyth Spartans

Blyth Spartans - 66' On: Charlie Stirland, Off: Paddy McClafferty, 70' On: Paul Dudgeon, Off: Kyle Downey, 79' On: Charlie Wood, Off: Rio Joisce, 91' Noah Millington, Off: Paul Van-Zandvliet

Subs not used - Nathan Kidd

Yellow cards - Michael Fowler 98'

Matlock Town - 16' On: Dwayne Wiley, Off: Charlie Oglesby, 73' On: Alfie Atherton, Off: Cameron Wilson, 79' On: Fouad Bachirou, Off: Jake Thompson

Subs not used - Josh Granite & Kiyani Clayton

Goals - Connor Washington 58'

Assists - Cameron Wilson 58'

Yellow cards - Declan Eratt-Thompson 8' & Liam Ravenhill 47'

Referee - Lee Kendrick