Blyth ‘work their socks off’ for massive win

BLYTH Spartans got off to a flyer with a goal after just three minutes at Guiseley and never looked back.

On loan Hartlepool defender Aaron Cunningham fired the Spartans at Nethermoor before the Lions levelled against the run of play.

A Kieran Green foul on opposing midfielder Will Hatfield saw experienced schemer Kingsley James level from the spot.

Robbie Dale’s flick on then saw Dan Maguire get goal side of the Guiseley defence and the striker finished clinically past Joe Green.

Spartans were good value for their half-time lead at mid-table Guiseley, who had lost only once at home.

An important Peter Jameson save preserved Blyth’s lead before Sean Reid replaced Green in the Spartans engine room.

The visitors kept Guiseley at arms length and made the game safe when Maguire scored his second of the night eight minutes from time.

After waiting until the end of October for their first away win in the league, Blyth have two in four days.

Manager Alun Armstrong told the Chronicle: “It was our best defensive display for a long time and a fully deserved 3-1 win. “The players worked their socks off. They did the ugly side of the game and Maguire came up with two great goals. “These two wins have been massive for us and we now need to back them up against FC United at Croft Park on Saturday.”