Another defeat leaves Blyth near drop zone
BLYTH SPARTANS LEAMINGTON FIRST-HALF strikes from Jake Edwards and Kieran Dunbar were enough to condemn Blyth Spartans to a seventh league defeat of the National League North season – the most in the division.
Edwards latching onto to a rightwing Dunbar set-piece after six minutes to give the Brakes the lead, before provider turned scorer as Dunbar arrowing a 25-yard free-kick in off the right-hand upright.
Spartans were gifted the opportunity to reduce arrears in the second half when Aaron Cunningham was hauled down in the penalty area, but Bradley Fewster saw his effort saved by Tony Breeden.
A frantic start by the visitors was rewarded in the opening six minutes when Alex Nicholson was adjudged to have fouled Ahmed Obeng on the left-hand edge of the penalty area.
Dunbar floated the free-kick to the back post where an unmarked Edwards guided the ball home.
The home crowd were left stunned during an open 15 minutes that was dominated by the Brakes, Junior English almost doubling the lead – his header floating over a flapping Peter Jameson who misjudged his leap.
Fortunately for Spartans the ball missed the target.
After the dire opening spell, the hosts sparked into life with Bradley Fewster the centre of everything good about their play.
He had two headed chances to equalise from crosses by Robert Dale and Sean Reid, but neither troubled Breeden.
And just as Alun Armstrong’s side looked to be getting a foothold into the game, the visitors doubled their advantage.
Bradley Fewster takes a spot-kick for Blyth Spartans against Leamington, but his penalty was saved
Lewis Horner was adjudged to have handled the ball on the edge of the Spartans penalty area.
Dunbar then arrowed a right-footed missile into the back of the net – via the right-hand upright.
The second half started in a similar vein with Leamington squandering a flurry of chances.
Joe Clarke’s was the pick of the efforts with a 20-yard fizzing shot just over the outstretched arm of Jameson – but more importantly the bar.
Referee David McNamara awarded Spartans a penalty midway through the second period to give the hosts a lifeline as Cunningham wrestled down in the area.
After much delaying by Leamington players, Fewster eventually stepped up, hitting a powerful effort to the ‘keepers left but Breeden made a comfortable save as he palmed the ball away. Adam Wrightson goes on the attack for Blyth against Leamington
The result leaves Spartans just outside the relegation zone with only goal difference keeping them out of the bottom three with an FA Cup trip to Nantwich Town on the horizon.