Spartans sunk by 79 second double strike

TWO goals in 79 seconds condemned Blyth Spartans to another home defeat as Alun Armstrong’s side were beaten by a resurgent FC United of Manchester at Croft Park.

Kurt Willoughby opened the scoring on 20 minutes with strike-partner Thomas Peers doubling the lead within two minutes.

Spartans huffed and puffed early in the second half, but an 89th minute Lewis Mansell strike ended the faint chances of a comeback.

Alun Armstrong kept the same squad that won at Guiseley 3-1 on Tuesday night – but will be dismayed with what he witnessed on the pitch as his side’s victory in Yorkshire was quickly forgotten about.

Spartans started brightly and almost opened the scoring in the first 90 seconds.

Dan Maguire latched onto a through ball down the left and found space in the penalty area before rolling an effort towards the bottom right hand corner, but FC United keeper Lloyd Allinson on hand to palm the effort behind.

But from there the visitors began to dominate, and opened the scoring on 20 minutes.

A simple long ball from the visitors found Willoughby running free on goal and he nutmegged Jameson to put the Red Rebels in front.

They didn’t have to wait long for a second – precisely 79 seconds – when Lewis Thompson whipped in a delightful left footed cross from the left flank, finding Peers in the six-yard box and he headed past Jameson.

The second half saw Spartans show some intent, with Robert Dale missing a guilt edged chance from eight yards out, skewing an effort wide when it was easier to hit the target.

Action from Blyth Spartans against FC United of Manchester in National League North Pic: Kris Hodgetts

At the other end, Jameson made a stunning effort when Simoes latched on to a right-wing cross who tried to stroke the ball home from eight yards out.

As Blyth pushed for a route back into the game, the visitors netted a third. A fast-paced counter-attack saw Willoughby and substitute Lewis Mansell two-on-one with Michael Liddle.

Willoughby timed his pass perfectly to play in Mansell who slotted home to the joys of the rapturess applause from the travelling Red Rebels.