Blyth slip up as County clinch win

BLYTH Spartans manager Alun Armstrong was condemned to defeat by his former club as Stockport County left Croft Park with all three points.

A quiet opening to the game gave way to the first chance and it fell to Spartans.

Dan Maguire’s return from injury has clearly given his side a boost and the hardworking striker almost put them ahead on 13 minutes.

The play-off chasing visitors took their time to get going and had to wait until midway through the half to create their first chance when Matt Warburton chipped Spartans stopper Peter Jameson only to see his effort sail over the bar.

Damen Mullen and Jordan Laidler went close for Spartans but it was the visitors that took the lead on the brink of half-time with a controversial goal.

Spartans could and should have been awarded a throw-in but the decision went the visitors’ way.

From that throw-in the loose ball ran to Jimmy Ball and he rifled a volley past Jameson from the edge of the area.

Spartans looked to use anger as their energy in the second half and came close to an equaliser just five minutes after the break.

The hosts pressurised their opponents as they looked to keep their slim play-off hopes alive..

Maguire had Spartans last effort but could only send a low drive wide of the far-post.

It was a harsh defeat for Armstrong’s side but one that almost certainly ends their chances of extending their season.