Play-off hopes over for Spartans

BLYTH Spartans’ National League North playoff hopes look a certainty to be over after falling to a 2-0 defeat at rivals Chorley.

Alun Armstrong’s men needed to beat the Magpies and collect at least one win from their two games to catch York City.

However, it was not to be Spartans’ afternoon with goals in either half from Alex Newby and Marcus Carver condemning them to a sixth straight defeat.

The hosts created the first opportunity of the game and forced a quite remarkable save from Peter Jameson, who somehow tipped Carver’s header onto the crossbar.

Neither side could have any complaints with a 0-0 score line at the break. However, the Magpies carved out an opener in the 41st minute with a hint of good fortune.

Jarrett Rivers was seemingly fouled in the build up to the goal – a similar challenge to what Jordan Laidler was booked for moments before - with Carver eventually squaring it for the unmarked Newby, who slotted home with ease.

Chorley piled on the pressure at the beginning of the second half, with Jameson again pro- ducing a great save – this time denying Adam Blakeman from long distance.

Unfortunately this only prolonged the inevitable with Carver converting via the underside of the bar just after the hour mark.

Dale Hopson was unleashed from the bench but Blyth couldn’t get back in the game and it was Matt Jansen’s side who searched to put the icing on the cake with only the crossbar denying Walker’s lob before substitute Matty Hughes headed wide the follow up.