Spennymoor Defeat Gives Blyth A Glimmer Of Hope

By Steve Whitney

Blyth Spartans have renewed hope that they can still sneak into the Vanarama National League North play-offs after they won 2-1 against Curzon Ashton in their fourth home game in seven days on Tuesday night.

In front of a crowd of 610 at Croft Park, Nathan Buddle opened the scoring with a terrific strike from 25-yards after 22 minutes.

Damen Mullen scored from a lot closer in to make it 2-0 in the 63rd minute.

But Ben McKenna reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in stoppage time to set up a nervy finale, but Blyth held firm to move up to ninth, two points behind the top seven, to keep their slim play-off hopes alive following Spennymoor United`s home defeat to AFC Telford United.

Blyth are optimistic as this was Spennymoor`s third straight defeat and although they have two home games against already-relegated North Ferriby United and a now safe Southport to come, all eyes will be on their results and the outcome of seventh-placed Bradford Park Avenue`s visit to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday.

At the Brewery Field on Tuesday, Moors got off to a great start when Mark Anderson put them ahead after just 3 minutes.

The Bucks equalised on the half-hour mark when a poor backpass from Joe Tait finished with Marcus Dinanga sliding the ball home.

However, 10 minutes into the second half, the visitors went down to ten-men when a challenge deemed reckless by Dominic Smith on Bradley Fewster saw the Bucks man dismissed.

But it was the ten-men who eventually sealed victory in the 68th minute with a goal from 18-year-old Ryan Giles.

Tuesday`s other scheduled game between Nuneaton Town and Boston United was called off due to floodlight problems.

(DJ Nelson Photos)

Where next?

Tuesday's Round-Up: Vanarama National League South The last relegation spot in the Vanarama National League South will go right to the final day of the 2017/18 season in a straight fight between Poole Town and Hungerford Town, who hold a one-point advantage.
Tuesday’s Round-Up: Vanarama National League Solihull Moors secured their place in the Vanarama National League for another season on Tuesday night after a terrific 2-1 win at Prenton Park against second-placed Tranmere Rovers.

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