Spartans lose from spot and fall to relegation zone

ALFRETON TOWN BLYTH SPARTANS 1 0

BLYTH Spartans fell into the National League relegation zone after they suffered a narrow defeat at play-off contenders Alfreton Town.

After surviving an early scare, Graham Fenton’s men started to create chances as Cedric Main directed a Michael Liddle cross narrowly wide and Jordan Hickey sent a long-distance effort just beyond the far post.

The hosts had their own reason to want to claim a win as they look to secure a place in the top seven over the next seven days and they gave sign of their undoubted threat as the half wore on.

After earlier denying Yusuf Ceesay, Spartans keeper Alex Mitchell produced similar heroics to deny Bailey Hobson on the half-hour mark to ensure the deadlock remained in place at half-time.

Spartans came within inches of edging themselves in front just after half-time when Main’s shot was cleared from the goal-line and the hosts made the most of that let-off when they opened the scoring minutes later. Their goal came from the penalty spot as former Lincoln City striker Matt Rhead kept his cool from 12 yards and put his side on their way to a crucial win.

Spartans pushed forwards looking for what would have been a precious equaliser but they were left frustrated as hosts keeper George Willis produced a stunning save to deny JJ O’donnell before Michael Richardson came close to restoring parity in the final minute. The defeat means

Spartans must beat Hereford at Croft Park in their final game of the season next weekend and hope Farsley Celtic and Kettering Town emerge emptyhanded from respective meetings with Spennymoor Town and Kidderminster Harriers.