Spartans put on a five-star display on their Youth Alliance debut
BLYTH Spartans produced a freeflowing, ruthless performance in their first competitive game in the National League Youth Alliance to defeat a spirited Frickley side 5-0.
Striker Jamie Clark opened the scoring midway through the first half with a neat left-footed finish from inside the penalty area.
Clark then doubled the advantage following an excellent team move, coolly lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
Frickley came out fighting second half and Blyth had to weather the storm before Lewis Mishner put the game beyond doubt when he stabbed home from 10 yards out.
Blyth’s dominance continued and central midfielder Paul Van Zandvliet deservedly added his name to the scoresheet when he rose highest to nod home from a corner.
The scoring was complete when Liam Lowery danced into the area and confidently slotted home.
Spartans followed up their victory with a 2-2 draw against visitors South Shields
Shields started the strongest but Blyth grew into the game and Finn Baty was inches away from curling home a superb opener.
However, his shot rebounded off the inside of the post and to safety.
Shields then took the lead when Blyth full-back Ben Gaffney was adjudged to have brought down a flying Shields winger in the box and the visitors converted the penalty.
Blyth responded well and, following a well-worked corner, Van Zandvliet rattled the crossbar with a powerful header.
They deservedly drew level when Thomas Kalthoeber’s header was prodded home by Kai Slinn.
The second period was an edgy affair with both teams trying to find the winning goal.
Blyth thought they had it when Sam Richardson’s clever header across the box was expertly turned home by Slinn.
However, with just a minute of play remaining, Blyth conceded an equaliser and settled for a draw.