Yet more away-day blues for the Spartans
BLYTH Spartans dismal away form continued as Alun Armstrong’s side suffered defeat at Kidderminster Harriers’ Aggborough Stadium,
Two goals in eight minutes before the break from Ashley Chambers and Fraser Horsfall condemned Spartans to a two-goal deficit at the half - before the latter scored in his own net to reduce arrears early in the second period.
As Spartans looked for the equaliser, the hosts netted a third against the run of play through Ed Williams, condemning Spartans to a ninth defeat in their last 11 games away from Croft Park.
Nathan Buddle produced the first real chance of note when he headed a Jarrett Rivers corner off the crossbar after 20 minutes – a rare Spartans foray into the Kidderminster half.
The hosts began to up the ante in the latter stages of the first half, and only a wonder save from Peter Jameson, to deny Billy Daniels, ensured the scores remained level.
Eight minutes before the half-time whistle, the hosts broke the deadlock when Chambers’ left-footed volley nestled in the bottom left-hand corner of Jameson’s goal - Taylor’s deflected cross from the left teeing up the former Leicester City striker.
It got worse for Spartans before the break as they were unable to clear their lines allowing Horsfall to double the lead.
Initial shots from Chambers and Ironside were blocked by Michael Liddle before the ball fell to Horsfall who tucked the ball past Jameson – via the leg of the aforementioned Liddle.
On the hour mark the visitors found a way back into the game through the enigmatic Rivers. His right-wing cross spun through the six-yard box where Horsfall mishit a clearance into his own net.
Just as Spartans began to turn the screw in search of an equaliser, Kidderminster restored their two-goal lead. Ed Williams latched onto a through ball which Liddle was unable to intercept, and duly converted the opportunity.
The result means Spartans have earned just two points out of a possible 36 away from home since a 3-0 win away at Tamworth in February.