Wasteful Spartans pay high price

A DISAPPOINTING performance put an end to Blyth Spartans’ two-game winning run as they fell to a 1-0 home defeat against North Ferriby United.

In the early stages, the visitors were left to rue a fine stop from Spartans keeper Pete Jameson, as he pushed Steve Brogan’s left-foot drive to safety.

Spartans picked up the game from there and went close on a number of occasions.

Dan Maguire, Dale Hopson and Jordan Watson all wasted opportunities to give Alun Armstrong’s side the lead their dominance deserved.

For all of that control, Spartans could have fallen behind just before half-time, with Akeel Francis heading wide from six yards out.

Francis wasted another golden chance after the break as he struck a shot well over the bar after being played in on goal.

Spartans found their feet in the second half and Villagers keeper Durrant was forced to parry a Dale Hopson free-kick away to safety.

Robbie Dale was next to try his luck on the hour mark, as he struck a left-foot drive just past the far post.

Despite being on top, Spartans fell behind as Francis finally put a chance away, neatly finishing a Joe Pugh cross at the far post.

Villagers defender Jake Picton almost got Spartans on level terms as he came within inches of diverting a Robbie Dale cross into his own net.

Despite having a late penalty appeal turned down, Spartans created little of note and the Villagers claimed all three points.