Saturday 8th December 2007
Blue Square North

Spartans entertained high flying Nuneaton Borough to a wet and windy Croft Park on Saturday. Borough had been undefeated in their last 11 outings prior to this match and had climbed up to 6th in the Blue Square North table.

High flying Nuneaton finally lost out to a wonder goal from sub Johnson with only 6 minutes left after looking likely to get a point but overall Spartans deserved the 3 points-a major boost with more tough league and cup matches on the horizon.

Chris McCabe was a driving force in the first half but shots on target were few and far between for both sides throughout the match.

After Phil Bell was booked catching Simon Travis late as the defender cleared it was McCabe who almost took advantage of the away keepers 2nd handling error to blaze over just before half time.

Adam Bartletts first save on 50 minutes turned a good effort by Comnnor Franklin over the bar was quickly followed by Bell heading wide before sub Martin Houlahan turned sharply from Adrian Websters low ball into his feet but the keeper spread himself to save.

One goal was going to be enough and when Boro’s Jordon Stepian failed to pass to an unmarked colleague only 15 yards out it was Blyth who took advantage.

Phil Bell did well to run on in a breakaway and deliver the pass to sub Andrew Johnson going outside him in the left hand side of the 18 yard box-a sharp turn back and an exquisite shot from a narrow angle flew over a helpless keeper and into the far top corner-well worth getting drenched for!

Solid team performance throughout and subs Houlahan and match winner Johnson having something about them.

A priceless 3 points!

Blyth Spartans 1 Nuneaton Borough 0
Spartans: - 1 Adam Bartlett, 2 Ben Christensen, 3 Kenny Boyle, 4 Andrew Leeson, 5 Richard Forster, 6 Gareth Williams, 7 Adrian Webster (sub Andy Johnson), 8 Chris McCabe, 9 Robert Dale (sub Martin Houlahan), 10 Phil Bell, Alex Gildea (sub Michael Hedley).
Sub not used: - Graham Fenton & Richard Logan.