Spartans feel Blues after Chester defeat

BLYTH Spartans put eight goals past Chester the last time the two sides met in August.

Spartans, however, couldn’t muster a goal in the rematch at the Deva Stadium last night.

Second-half goals from midfield man Craig Mahon and George Wearing sent Blyth home emptyhanded.

It was a disappointing display from a Spartans side that had played 70 minutes against Kidderminster at the weekend.

Manager Alun Armstrong said: “There was nothing in the tank and the lads were running on empty.

“The first half was a non-event and we really only had one chance in the game and Rivers couldn’t take it.

“The quality wasn’t there and we were too slow with the ball, though there was no lack of effort.

“We fell asleep for the opening goal and there was a hand ball in the second, so it was a disappointing night.”

Goalkeeper Peter Jameson denied Anthony Dudley in a one-on-one on the hour bur couldn’t replicate when Mahon was sent clear.

It was all over when Wearing made it 2-0 after 74 minutes in what was a six-pointer against another play-off hopeful.

“We’ve now got Brackley, who are right in the mix, at home on Saturday and it’s a game we need to win.”

■■Hebburn Town rounded off a positive few days for the club and maintained their place in the top five of Division One with a 3-1 home win against in-form Seaham Red Star.

Consett held on to take a point from their trip to West Auckland Town, despite playing for almost 40 minutes with ten men in the 1-1 draw.

An injury-time goal from Luke Page was all it took for Sunderland RCA to come away from Newton Aycliffe with all three points.

South Shields will face Shildon in the final of the Durham Challenge Cup. The Mariners were given a rigorous test by Northern League Division One leaders Dunston UTS.

Nathan Lowe put Shields ahead with a 20-yard strike and David Foley doubled their lead.

Jake Stafford pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time, but a late Robert Briggs penalty ensured the Mariners progressed into their second final in three year.

Goals from Billy Greulich-Smith and Brad Hird helped Shildon progress with a 2-0 win against Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.