Spartans overcome spot of bother for first league victory of year
BLYTH Spartans returned to winning ways with a 2-1 National League North win at Leamington.
It was a game of two quickfire Blyth goals followed by a tale of two penalties for the Brakes.
The spot kicks, either side of half-time, brought only one goal and Blyth saw the game out in the Midlands.
Manager Alun Armstrong said: “It was our first league win of 2019 - and one we needed.
“To get off the coach after a long journey and score two goals in the opening seven minutes was a great start.
“It was not a game for the purists with a bobbly pitch and a Leamington side which was like the land of the giants.
“However, it was all about getting back to winning ways and we managed to do that.
“Giving away two penalties is never ideal but Peter Jameson made a good save for the first one.
“Once they pulled a goal back we dropped a bit deep but dug in and got over the line.”
Kieran Green’s run saw the midfielder fire home the opener from the edge of the box two minutes in.
Top scorer Dan Maguire soon doubled the lead after the striker had been set up by Alex Nicholson.
Jameson and defender Louis Laing then gave away penalties - but Colby Bishop could only convertone and Blyth edged home.