BLYTH SPARTANS 0 DARLINGTON 1
STEPHEN Thompson’s firsthalf penalty secured a vital three points for Darlington as Blyth Spartans suffered their fourth consecutive defeat.
Jordan Watson was adjudged to have fouled Jordan Nicholson ten minutes before the break for the only goal of a game that was bereft of chances.
Bradley Fewster appeared to have been brought down in similar circumstances five minutes from time – waived away by referee Andrew Kitchen.
In front of a crowd of 1,579, Alun Armstrong made one change from the side that last 1-0 at Leyton Orient last weekend – Adam Wrightson replacing Nathan Buddle.
The visitors named Liam Hughes in their line-up as he returned to the action following a spell on the sidelines dealing with personal issues.
Tommy Wright was also able to name new signing Wilson Kneeshaw amongst his substitutes, after the striker returned to the club on Friday.
Following a cagey opening half-an-hour, the Quakers launched a counter-attack, Louis Laing and Stephen Thompson racing for the through ball, with the centreback’s last-ditch tackle denying the Darlington man the chance of an effort on goal.
The visitors missed a guiltedged opportunity in the 32nd minute when Trotman floated a right-wing cross to the far post, Simon Ainge heading the ball straight at Jameson.
In the 34th minute Darlington were awarded a penalty when Jordan Nicholson tumbled just inside the left edge of the penalty area. Thompson stepped up to send Jameson the wrong way to give the Quakers the lead.
Spartans had an opportunity to equalise four minutes later