Blyth’s travelling fans enter into the party spirit

MANAGER Alun Armstrong praised Blyth Spartans’ fans after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at mid-table Ashton United.

Spartans fans travelled in their numbers, over 200, for the game at Hurst Cross, Blyth’s first game after being crowned champions.

A header from central defender Nathan Buddle gave Blyth a 27thminute lead that was cancelled out on the hour by Ryan Crowther.

It was a game of two penalty saves, Dan Maguire failing to score from 12 yards for Spartans and Matty Chadwick for Ashton.

Chadwick’s weak spot-kick came in the 90th minute, on loan Newcastle United goalkeeper Paul Woolston comfortably saving.

Defeat would have been harsh on runaway leaders Blyth, who today host play-off hopefuls Whitby Town at Croft Park. Armstrong told the Chronicle: “The support we received at Ashton was top-drawer, many dressed as Mexicans, and they produced a party atmosphere.

“They never stopped from the first minute to the last and it was good to take the unbeaten run on to nine games.

“It will be easier to get the lads up for the last two games as both Whitby and Grantham have a great chance of being in the play-offs.

“They will be right up for it and will come to Croft Park targeting three points, which could play into our hands.

“They will not sit back as most sides do.

“That will give us space to exploit and we need to end with two wins to reach 100 points.”

Defender Jordan Watson returns to the side today, Spartans keen to avenge defeat at Whitby on Boxing Day.