SPARTANS INDEBTED TO REID’S WINNER
BLYTH Spartans took a step closer to the Evo-Stik Premier Division title with this crucial victory at Stafford Rangers.
Sean Reid was the goal hero for the league leaders, but Alun Armstrong’s men were equally indebted to keeper Paul Woolston who was equal to everything Blyth threw at him.
“It is a fantastic result for us, to come here and keep a clean sheet,” Armstrong said.
“We knew we would have to come and battle against Stafford but I can’t fault the lads and we have got a good 1-0 away win.”
Stafford made a bright start and created an early opening after Nathan Buddle gave the ball away cheaply to Jake Heath, but Kyle Perry's shot went harmlessly wide.
Blyth were soon taking the game to Rangers and saw Reid head over, while Kieran Morris went even closer, heading Kris Taylor’s corner against the bar.
Another effort from Perry appeared to strike Nathan Buddle’s raised arm but the referee was having none of it.
Jarrett Rivers should
have put Blyth ahead after some good work from Daniel Maguire but failed to find the all important touch.
Robbie Dale was next to try his luck for the visitors, hammering his shot into Sam Griffiths who then turned over another dangerous ball from the Blyth captain.
Blyth were pressing the home goal but found their route blocked by some solid Stafford defending and when Rivers did find an opening, Adam Whitehouse saved well.
At the other end, Woolston made an equally important save just before the break when he kept out Jake Heath’s free-kick.
Stafford went close again at the start of the second half as Taylor’s free kick just evaded the head of Perry and Mat Bailey found the angle too tight.
Inside the same minute, Blyth went closer still when Ryan Hutchinson’s header was turned over.
The Stafford keeper saved his side when keeping out Rivers once more after a smart turn from Maguire had launched the attack.
But Blyth finally made the breakthrough on 56 minutes and Maguire was again in the thick of the action, his pass finding Sean Reid who hammered home from close range.
From then on, the league leaders looked comfortable and only once did Stafford get a look in, but Mitch Tolley’s header was straight at Woolston.