Silsden v Blyth Spartans | Saturday, 23 August 2025 - 15:00 | League

Blyth Spartans fell to a 3-0 defeat away at newly promoted Silsden on Saturday afternoon, as three goals in the opening stages of the second half proved decisive.

Both sides entered the match on the back of positive results. Spartans had claimed their first league win of the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Newton Aycliffe in midweek, while Silsden advanced in the FA Cup after a penalty shootout win against Ramsbottom United.

The first half offered few clear chances, though Blyth came closest to breaking the deadlock. Pressing high, Benjamin Shodeinde dispossessed a defender and raced through on goal, only to see his chipped effort drift narrowly wide. At the other end, goalkeeper Callum Dobson produced two excellent saves to keep the score level going into the interval.

Half time: Silsden AFC 0-0 Blyth Spartans

The game turned immediately after the restart. On 50 minutes, Kayle Price latched onto a through ball and reached it ahead of Dobson to put the hosts in front. Five minutes later, Silsden doubled their advantage when Luke Brooksbank cut in from the left and drilled a low strike into the bottom corner.

Brooksbank struck again soon after, in almost identical fashion - cutting inside from the left and curling a superb effort into the far corner to leave Blyth with a mountain to climb.

The remaining half-hour saw few opportunities of note as Silsden controlled proceedings to secure the points, while Spartans were left to rue missed chances in the first half and a costly spell early in the second.

Full time: Silsden AFC 3-0 Blyth Spartans

Goals - Price 50', Brooksbank 54', 60'.