200 up for stalwart Mullen as Spartans in three-mendous form

BLYTH Spartans made it six wins on the spin after a 3-0 victory at Lancaster City in the first round of the FA Trophy.

Defensive midfielder Damen Mullen led the side at the Giant Axe in the absence of injured captain Robbie Dale.

It was Mullen’s 200th appearance for Blyth, who have now pocketed £11,000 from two FA Trophy wins.

The Spartans have averaged three goals a game during their six-game winning run and have kept clean sheets in the last two.

Underdogs Lancaster finished with nine men after defenders Craig Stanley and Paul Dugdale were sent off late on.

A superior Spartans had put the game to bed by then following goals from Michael Liddle, Dan Maguire and Jamie Holmes and looked forward to today’s second-round draw having beaten lower-ranked opposition in their first two ties.

Manager Alun Armstrong paid tribute to Mullen and his side for overcoming horrendous conditions in Lancashire.

He said: “Mullen has done well to reach 200 games in his two spells at Blyth.

“He is a no-nonsense player, one who breaks play up and is an important member of the squad - our Mr Reliable.

“I made him captain for the day but I have to give credit to all the lads in what were very difficult conditions.”

Left-back Liddle curled a 15th-minute free-kick into the top corner before two goals in five second-half minutes sealed the deal.

Maguire, who had earlier hit the post, doubled the lead and then Holmes made it three - Sean Reid with the assists for both counters.