In association with:
ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA
Chartered Management Accountant
Report by Michael Bowers
Spennymoor Town 2-1 Blyth Spartans
Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round
Brewery Field
Saturday 12th September 2015
Attendance: 871
Blyth Spartans were knocked out of the F.A. Cup after a 2-1 defeat at North-East neighbours Spennymoor Town.
The hosts went ahead in scrappy fashion as a scramble in the penalty area led to Nathan Fisher heading home from close range.
Spartans had their chances to get level, including efforts from Michael Richardson and Daniel Maguire, before Spennymoor doubled their lead in similarly scrappy fashion to their opener.
From a corner, Adam McHugh, returning to his old side, looked to saved an initial effort but the rebound fell to Liam Henderson who headed into an empty net.
However, Spartans did get back in the game as Arran Wearmouth, who was causing problems down the right wing, earned a penalty which was comfortably dispatched by Stephen Turnball.
But despite battling to get an equaliser, Tom Wade’s side were unable to remain in the competition which saw a historic run last season as they reached the third round proper, beating Altrincham and Hartlepool United along the way.
The tie was evenly contested and full of endeavour throughout, backed by an attendance of 870, and it was the visitors who had the first opportunity of the game, when Wearmouth linked with Andrew Cartwright who flashed his effort wide of the post.
After Fisher’s opener, Spartans wasted their chance to get level after Richardson was found unmarked just outside the six-yard area blasted a shot over the bar.
And the visitors continued to create chances in the second-half as Turnball had a free-kick testing Lowsonbefore Wearmouth and Richardson linked up but missed the finishing touch from close range.
But Henderson made Wade’s side pay for their missed opportunities just after the hour mark to make it 2-0 and give Spartans what looked like a mountain to climb.
But Wearmouth skilled his way into the box and won a penalty three minutes later to give Spartans hope of earning at least a replay at Croft Park.
After Turnbull dispatched, more chances came but both Maguire and Robbie Dale were unable to captialise on their side’s dominance as the hosts held on.