Dogged and determined Spartans seize the day
FENTON’S REIGN OFF TO IDEAL START
WELCOME home Graham Fenton! More than a decade has passed since the former South Shields manager left Blyth Spartans for the first time after seven years of service.
During that time he witnessed FA Cup shocks, promotions and cup wins – but he will have taken as much satisfaction from the win his side gained in his first home game in charge as he did from any of those achievements.
Facing an ever-dangerous Gloucester City side, Spartans were dogged, determined and disciplined as goals from Lewis Mcnall and Jordan Hickey gave them a deserved three points.
After a quiet opening 10 minutes, it was Spartans that had the first opportunity of the game as Michael Richardson fired over from 12 yards after a Josh Gillies free-kick caused major issues for the visitors’ defence.
It was a rare opening for Fenton’s side as the Tigers slowly started to gain the upper hand with Matt Mcclure and Tommy O’sullivan imposing their influence in midfield.
That provided the platform for a number of chances, with the lively Tre Mitford flicking an effort just over the bar from a tight angle.
Spartans, to their credit, wrestled back the initiative and ended the opening 45 minutes on the front foot.
With 38 minutes on the clock, JJ O’donnell found some space on the left-hand side of the area and his low cross found its way to Richardson – but the former South Shields midfielder was off-balance and looped a shot over the bar.
An even better chance arrived 60 seconds later when a super pass from Nicky Deverdics released Michael
Liddle in on goal. The left-back lobbed the ball over the advancing Brandon Hall and the visitors’ keeper had to rely on defender Kennedy Digie to clear from underneath his own crossbar under pressure from Mcnall.
Two minutes before the interval Spartans created three quickfire chances but somehow failed to open the scoring. Deverdics burst into the Tigers’ area and saw his shot palmed by Hall before Richardson sent the rebound against the crossbar.
The loose ball ran to Liddle, who saw a low drive blocked inside the sixyard box before the unmarked Gillies crashed a rising shot well over the bar.
The home fans were on their feet again just before the hour as a long ball found its way to Mckeown but his timid effort was blocked by Hall.
There was no denying Spartans moments later as Mckeown made amends by punishing some weak defending. Kennedy Digie and goalkeeper Hall both hesitated and neither took control of the situation to allow Mckeown to take advantage.
He showed composure to find Mcnall and the ex-newcastle United man took a touch before stroking the ball into the far corner.
Spartans secured their points in injury time. A quick break ended with Hickey bursting through into the area and placing the ball inside the far post.
There was a chance for a third when Liddle saw a shot blocked – but that could not take the shine away from a fine homecoming for Fenton.