In a whimper

of freedom seemed to unsettle a Hatters side which looks short on confidence at times.

Both sides went in at the interval level, and County seemed set for a boost when news filtered through that Blyth’s leading scorer Maguire had been forced off with a thigh strain.

Goalscorer Wrightson moved central as Spartans came back out for the second half without a recognised striker following Maguire’s departure, but the move didn’t hamper Armstrong’s side.

County resurfaced after the break with much less of the attacking threat and vigour which provided them with that short-lived lead in the first half – Oswell saw his tidy finish ruled out for offside from a low Cowan cross just minutes into the second half, and the disallowed goal was a rare highlight of the half men.

Blyth still showed plenty of attacking intent of their own, with Wrightson’s scuffed effort hammered off the line by O’Halloran shortly after.

McKenna seemed to fade somewhat after his impressive first half, although the former Southport winger has yet to complete a full ninety minutes as his return to full fitness continues. The for Gannon’s winger was replaced by Adam Thomas on the hour mark, but The Hatters struggled to make more inroads as the tie went on.

Jimmy Ball glanced a near post header inches wide from a Sam Walker corner, but substitutes Liddle and Rivers both rifled home from close range well into the four stoppage time minutes to seal a superb win for Armstrong’s side – and condemn The Hatters to a demoralising defeat.

County now travel to Nuneaton this weekend, in a tie which previously appeared a good chance of a much-needed away win for Gannon’s “deflated” players; but The Hatters’ poor away record coupled with this dispiriting loss may well point to more misery on the road.