Spartans have premier passion

ALUN Armstrong came out on top in the battle of the former Premier League strikers as Blyth won at Kevin Davies’ Southport.

Spartans made a bright start to the game and dominated the opening stages.

Jarrett Rivers had the first chance on 12 minutes and he forced Southport debutant Jon Worsnop into a smart stop, as he parried the ball away to safety.

Winger Robbie Dale was a constant menace for the Sandgrounders defence and he set up the next chance for Damen Mullen.

The midfielder collected a pass from Dale and unleashed a first- time shot just wide of Worsnop’s far post.

The Southport number one then denied Sean Reid and Rivers could only send the rebound wide of the goal.

Spartans could have been behind at half-time but keeper Peter Jameson pulled off a smart stop after Josh Hine’s low drive was deflected towards goal.

They made up for their missed chances in the first half by taking the lead in the 54th minute. Dale was the creator and his fine wing play set up Michael Liddle, who slid home his second goal of the season.

The lead was doubled just after the hour mark when former Berwick Rangers striker Greg Rutherford headed home his first goal in a Spartans shirt.

A good day for the Spartans was rounded off when Sean Reid scored an injury-time penalty.

The win moves Spartans back into the top four of the National League North table.