Blyth started the game with the same XI that beat Frickley 5-1 on Saturday. For Bishops, defender Brian Rowe returned to his ex-home ground.
The first chance of the game came after just 1 minute, Forster failing to make his header hit the target. Bishops started strongly and were dominant throughout the first half. Forster and Keegan made several key interceptions to prevent a clear goalscoring chance. Despite this Blyth came closest to scoring with Radigan’s free-kick just off-target and Skelton hitting the post from Robson’s flick. Blyth failed to capitalise on the shaky away defence by incessantly lumping the ball upfield, losing possession.
The second half was a totally different story, with Blyth passing the ball much better, Robson and Skelton were causing major problems for the visitors. However, Blyth were stunned when a long goal kick was not intercepted and found a blue shirt. The ball was looped over Gilmore who was stuck in no-man’s land. Bizarrely, Bishops rarely threatened afterwards. Blyth became dominant, but couldn’t quite break down the physically strong opposition. The breakthrough came when Carl Pepper lashed a fantastic 35-yarder into the top corner, surely the best goal seen at Croft Park in many years. Spartans sensed the smell of victory and when all-out for the goal, but it came in fortunate circumstances. Skelton powered a shot on goal that was too hot for the keeper to handle. The ball dropped and Robson and the keeper challenged. The keeper sustained a nasty facial cut and had to be strechered off. Having used all three subs, Bishops were forced to play the last 10 minutes with 10 men and an outfield player in goal. Almost instantly, Skelton jinked past two challenges and finding the replacement keeper all at sea, he stroked the ball into the unguarded area of the net.
Final Score: Blyth Spartans 2-1 Bishop Auckland
MoM: Carl Pepper- a great strike and a captain’s performance
The result was harsh on Bishops, who look like being one of the big boys again, Blyth seized their lucky break.
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