BLYTH SPARTANS 1 WREXHAM 1

THE spirit of 1978 was in full swing at Croft Park as a resolute Blyth Spartans claimed a more than deserved draw against National League title contenders Wrexham.

The Dragons looked to be securing their place in tomorrow’s first round draw when Tom O’connor gave them a narrow advantage with a deflected free-kick 12 minutes from time.

But Spartans hit back in the final minute with a free-kick of their own as Michael Richardson’s inswinging cross evaded everyone and nestled inside the far corner to set out euphoric celebrations inside the famous old ground. Graham Fenton’s men made a confident start to the contest, despite the odds being overwhelmingly in favour of their in-form visitors.

The biggest threat from Spartans was the pace and power of striker Cedric Main and it was his hard work and tenacity that led to the first real chance of the game.

The former South Shields man hustled and bustled his way beyond Aaron Hayden and into the Dragons area.

Main found some space and laid the ball to Corey Mckeown and the youngster was unfortunate to see his low drive cleared from the line by former Newcastle United defender

Ben Tozer. Despite offering little in the opening quarter-hour, Wrexham hit back with a golden chance of their own as Sam Dalby flicked a cross over Spartans keeper Alex Mitchell and against the top of his crossbar.

That let-off saw defiance and enthusiasm surge through the home faithful as they continued to roar on their side in vociferous fashion – and to their credit, Spartans responded in fine style.

JJ O’donnell came closest to opening the scoring on 38 minutes as his acrobatic header looped beyond Dragons keeper Howard before dropping agonisingly wide of the far post.

Spartans almost managed to undo all of their hard work as half-time approached with James Jones dragging a shot narrowly wide of Alex

Mitchell’s near post before the Spartans number one made a stunning stop to deny former Sunderland man Callum Mcfadzean.

That ensured that the stalemate was in place as the half-time whistle was blown – and it was safe to say it was the home supporters who were in a more enthusiastic mood as the players made their way down the tunnel.

The opening stages of the secondhalf were rather more subdued than the first 45 minutes with Spartans midfielder Jordan Hickey and visitors defender Tozer both well offtarget with the only sights of goal.

But the game burst into life as the final 15 minutes approached with two contentious decisions in the space of 60 seconds provoking an understandably frustrated reaction from those of a green and white persuasion. Recently arrived substitute Matty Cornish jinked away from a defender before seeing his shot hit the hand of Tozer – but referee Paul Marsden surprisingly waved away the apparels from Spartans players, coaches and supporters alike.

And he was on the end of further ire moments later when he gave a questionable free-kick in favour of Wrexham after Olly Palmer went down until minimal contact on the edge of the Spartans area.

Tom O’connor stepped up to take the free-kick and his curling effort struck a Spartans defender before finding its way beyond the helpless Alex Mitchell.

Anger was the energy for Fenton as his players as they pushed forwards in search of what would have been a more-than deserved equaliser.

But they were once again left angered by the officials when a clear foul on Corey Mckeown by Tozer was missed and the man in the middle judged against the Spartans man.

Justice was done in the final minute when a foul on Cornish allowed Richardson to step up and curl a free-kick beyond a crowded box and inside the far post.

Both sides had chances to secure their place in the first round but neither were taken and Spartans will now have to defy the odds once again when they make the long trip to the Racecourse Ground on Tuesday night.