Blyth spirit shows through in eight-goal romp against Chester

BLYTH Spartans got their season up and running in devastating fashion with a stunning 8-1 win over unbeaten title favourites Chester.

It is 25 years since Blyth last scored eight goals in a league game, the defeat Chester’s heaviest for several decades.

Blyth had failed to pick up a point from their opening two games, during which they were below standard in the opening half.

There were no such problems at Croft Park on Saturday, Dan Maguire and Kieran Green giving Blyth a two-goal lead after 15 minutes.

Manager Alun Armstrong said: “I expected a reaction after Tuesday’s defeat against Bradford PA, especially after the rollicking they received at half-time.

“The lads did exactly what I asked in the opening 20 minutes. It put Chester on the back foot and we earned the right to play football.

“We caused Chester lots of problem.

“I am not being disrespectful but it could have been a lot more.

“I am over the moon with the performance and result.

“We just have to make sure it continues and we now have a very hard game at Darlington on Wednesday.

“We needed to put our first points on the board and when we play like that not many people will stop us.”

A rampant Blyth were three up at the break after Jamie Holmes celebrated his first competitive goal for the club.

Sean Reid headed the fifth before Chester had midfielder Gary Roberts sent off, Steven Howson immediately putting through his own goal.

Centre-back Nathan Buddle and Maguire added further counters.