Late drama as Blyth grab an unlikely point
BLYTH SPARTANS KIDDERMINSTER BLYTH Spartans overcame a two-goal deficit - and the sending-off of their goalkeeper Peter Jameson - to secure a dramatic point against Kidderminster Harriers.
Nathan Buddle’s 92nd-minutetrike levelled a frantic game of football four minutes after Dan Maguire had given Blyth a lifeline.
Jameson’s 20th-minute red card and subsequent converted penalty by Joe Ironside - turned the tide after Fraser Horsfall had levelled Maguire’s second-minute opener on 10 minutes.
Ed Williams 71st-minute goal had seemed to put the game to bed before a frenetic final period ensued to earn Spartans a point.
Much like last week, Alun Armstrong’s side took the lead in the opening 120 seconds - with Kieran Green the catalyst.
His strike from the edge of the area deflected off Maguire on the penalty spot, wrong-footing Brandon Hall on what was to be a memorable afternoon at Croft Park.
The visitors replied within five minutes, Nick Clayton-phillips’ delightful left-footed cross headed elegantly home by Harriers’ captain Horsfall.
Referee Paul Brown will draw the limelight after his 20th-minute decision to give Jameson his marching orders.
The Spartans’ ’goalkeeper and defender Buddle misjudged a through ball, allowing Ironside into the area before he was brought to the ground.
Brown took his time before showing the red card, the official deciding the Blyth stopper had not made a genuine attempt to play the ball and it was a goalscoring opportunity.
This meant Spartans’ legend Robert Dale took his place between the sticks but Ironside sent the Blyth forward the wrong way to give the Harriers the lead.
Williams added a third 19 minutes from time, substitute Billy Daniels cross falling to Williams who bobbled the ball home from 12 yards out.
Lesser teams may have folded but Armstrong rang the changes - introducing Connor Oliver, Adam Wrightson and Sean Reid.
It was a familiar face who pulled a goal back in the 88th minute when Alex Nicholson back-heeled the ball into the path of Maguire, who dispatched it with disdain past Hall.
A dramatic late comeback was completed two minutes into injury time when the ball fell to the unlikely source of Buddle who calmly slid it home to send the 705-strong Green Army wild.
The referee will be the centre of attention for his 20th minute decision but Spartans showed their fight and passion to pick up a vital point. Blyth Spartans: Jameson; Nicholson, Buddle, Laing, Watson; Green (Oliver), Mullen (Reid); Holmes (Wrightson), Rivers, Dale; Maguire. Unused: Horner, Fewster Kidddermister Harriers: Hall; Austin, Horsfall, Johnson, Taylor; Butterfield, Penn; Clayton-phillips (Daniels), Chambers (Richards); Williams (Truslove); Ironside. Unused: Higginson, Heaton Referee: Paul Brown Attendance: 705