The Blue Square North season commenced at Croft Park with the 597 crowd observing a minute's applause in memory of Spartans Chairman Tom Hedley who died on Wednesday.

Spartans included 4 new faces, signings Kenny Boyle (ex Whickham), Michael Coulthard/Andrew Thompson (ex Tow law) and loanee Michael Maidens (Hartlepool United).

From a Gareth Williams left sided corner Chris McCabe headed over at the far post.

Blyth took the lead from the penalty spot after only 4 minutes. McCabe released by Richard Forster, was fouled by keeper James Lindley as he rounded him. Robert Dale sending the keeper the wrong way from 12 yards.

The nearest the visitors came after 21 minutes when Andrew White broke down the right, and Matthew Outran attempted to chip Adam Bartlett from the edge of the penalty area.

Kris Bowler tried his luck from 25 yards, but blazed his free kick over the bar.

On the stroke of half time Spartans got their second. Michael Maidens beat the offside trap running on to a through ball from Andrew Thompson to slot past the advancing Lindley.

McCabe was carried off with concussion on 63 minutes after attempting to head the ball on, with a high foot from Laurie Wilson connecting with him.

Spartans had the ball in the net again but it was ruled offside. Richard Hodgson with a typical 30 yard belter coming back off the cross bar to Thompson who head home.

Spartans : - 1 Adam Bartlett, 2 Gareth Williams, 3 Kenny Boyle (sub Peter Snowdon), 4 Michael Coulthard, 5 Richard Forster, 6 Andrew Leeson, 7 Andrew Thompson, 8 Chris McCabe (sub Ben Christensen), 9 Robert Dale (sub Christain Graham), 10 Michael Maidens, 11 Richard Hodgson.
Sub not used: Graham Fenton.