Wednesday 26th December 2007
Blue Square North
Blyth Spartans 0 Harrogate Town 1
Att: 674

THERE was no sweet revenge for Blyth Spartans in yesterday’s Blue Square North game against Harrogate Town, who controversially won the sides’ recent Setanta Shield tie.

Spartans created the better chances but it was Harrogate who ended winners with the only goal midway through the second period with virtually their first effort on target.

Peter Snowdon fired straight at visiting keeper Paul Mussellwhite in the 11th minute after a good move involving Richard Forster and Philip Bell.

Martin Houlahan then opened up the Harrogate defence but Ben Christensen volleyed narrowly wide from just outside the penalty area.

The best chance in the opening half fell to Andrew Johnson. Former Whitby striker Alex Gildea released him and with Harrogate waiting in vain for an offside decision, Johnson was unable to beat Mussellwhite who blocked the striker’s goalbound effort.

Gildea almost became provider on the hour as his centre was turned into the side netting by Bell but Blyth were made to pay for missed opportunities.

Steve Merris cut in from the left before curling a great shot past keeper Adam Bartlett from 30 yards.

Manager Harry Dunn introduced Robbie Dale and Michael Hedley in a desperate bid for an equaliser and Dale almost opened up the Harrogate defence. Just before the end Johnson latched onto the ball at the far post but again Mussellwhite came to Harrogate’s rescue.

Spartans: - 1 Adam Bartlett, 2 Ben Christensen, 3 Kenny Boyle, 4 Peter Snowdon, 5 Richard Forster, 6 Gareth Williams, 7 Adrian Webster 8 Alex Gildea, 9 Phil Bell (sub Michael Hedley), 10 Andy Johnson, 11 Martin Houlahan (sub Robert Dale).
Sub not used: - Graham Fenton & Richard Logan.