Maguire’s milestone strike seals victory
BLYTH Spartans hit man Dan Maguire’s 150th goal for the club sent his side into the last 16 of the Buildbase FA Trophy.
Maguire rolled two Boreham Wood defenders to take Connor Oliver’s chip into the box and fire into the roof of the net.
The super strike came midway through the first half and was enough to give Blyth a 1-0 win at Croft Park.
It stretched the unbeaten run to 13 games as Spartans claimed yet another cup scalp to move into the third round.
They will be joined in today’s draw
by North East rivals Spennymoor Town, who crushed a depleted Sutton United 3-0 at the Brewery Field.
Hartlepool United won’t be in the hat with Blyth and the Moors after they were on the wrong end of a cup shock against AFC Telford.
Blyth boss Alun Armstrong would prefer to steer clear of a tie against Spennymoor, after the two sides played out a couple of 2-2 draws over Christmas.
Robbie Dale equalled Spartans legend Eddie Alder’s record 625 appearances on Saturday – but it was Maguire who stole the show.
The diminutive front man has now plundered 150 goals in 291 games for Blyth.
Former striker Armstrong told The Chronicle: “Maguire had a better chance on his left foot before the goal, but scuffed his shot.
“He’s been struggling with his calf this week. He was touch and go and needed a fitness test, but it was worth risking him.
“It was hard work for him up top against two big lumps, but he popped up with a great goal, and to score 150 goals for one club is phenomenal.”
Blyth were more comfortable winners than the score suggests, with ever-present goalkeeper Peter Jameson hardly having a shot to save.
“Anything can happen in cup football and a quarter-final or last-four tie at Croft Park would bring a few thousand through the gate,” added Armstrong.
“We would make over £100,000 if we managed to win the FA Trophy, but we’ll see what the draw throws up. Hopefully it won’t be Spennymoor, and I’m sure they feel the same, but we’re on a great run and have a lot to look forward to.”
Blyth kept a first clean sheet for six games at the weekend and now face a big league game at second-top Bradford Park Avenue.