Blyth started the season with an comfortable 3-1 win over Bamber Bridge. Blyth started without Ian Dixon and Paddy Little who were suspended.
Blyth took the early initiative and opened the scoring from a Justin Keegan header from a corner, which hit the ground and the bounce deceived the defender on the line. Bamber keeper Bishop pulled off two top class saves to deny Robson and Radigan certain goals. Bamber fought back, and only poor finishing prevented them from equalising. Three times there was the chance of a clear shot on goal, but to no avail.
The referee then went off injured to be replaced by an elf from the 1960's who was oblivious to everything around him.
The second half saw Blyth play a more cohesive passing game, but to their credit the away defence held firm, with the keeper and the number 5 turning in outstanding performances. Bamber levelled after a defensive mix-up from a corner presented a tap-in. Blyth went 2-1 up when Robson pounced after Keegan hit the post with another thundering header. The game was wrapped up when debutant Hutton beat the offside trap and cooly slipped the ball past the keeper.
It was comfortable enough, but we'll have to play a hell of a lot better if we're to take anything home on wednesday night.