Report by Michael Bowers
In association with:
ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant
Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division
Saturday 23th February, 2016
Attendance: 681
BLYTH SPARTANS 3-0 COLWYN BAY
Blyth responded from the midweek defeat to Frickley Athletic with a 3-0 win over second-bottom side Colwyn Bay at Croft Park.
Michael Richardson opened the scoring before Wilson Kneeshaw continued his fine run of form in front of goal to double the hosts’ advantage.
Man-of-the-match Robbie Dale sealed the win towards the end of the game to keep Blyth’s lead at the top of EvoStik Premier League to 10 points ahead of second-placed Workington, who have a game in hand.
Colwyn actually frustrated their opponents successfully comfortably dealing with the attacks Tom Wade’s side threw at them.
Arran Wearmouth had a 15 yard fierce strike saved by visiting keeper Craig Ellison after himself and Kneeshaw had earlier chances over the bar.
The visitors themselves had a good chance to score when Shaun Dowling crossed from the right-hand side with Adam McHugh stretching to save his shot over the bar.
But minutes later, Richardson was on the receiving end of a through ball from the defence and calmly drilled the ball under Ellison and into the net.
Blyth’s lead should have been doubled in first-half stoppage time as Kneeshaw rounded the stranded Ellison but fired into the side-netting.
The second-half was a comfortable affair for Blyth and it became even more so as Kneeshaw benefited from a long pass who then slotted the ball home.
Kneeshaw and Dale both missed chance to further extend the scoreline but the points were sealed when Dale scored from close range to seal a perfect day for the Spartans in their charge for automatic promotion.