Blyth Spartans 2-2 Curzon Ashton: Blyth late collapse leaves them on the brink of the drop

Blyth Spartans’ survival hopes took another major blow as they threw away a 2-0 lead late on to draw 2-2 with play-off chasing Curzon Ashton.

Spartans raced into a 2-0 first half lead through JJ O’Donnell and a wonder goal from Nicky Deverdics, and looked to be heading to a vital three points.

But goals in the last 10 minutes from Jimmy Spencer and Devon Matthews saw Curzon battle back to rescue a point.

Blyth should’ve led 10 minutes in as Michael Spellman’s cross found Cedric Main, whose close-range effort smashed back off the crossbar.

Spartans had their lead just 10 minutes later, as Deverdics’ cut back found O’Donnell, who smashed the ball in off the crossbar past Chris Renshaw.

Deverdics then produced his own moment of magic on the half-hour mark, smashing home from 25 yards out into the top corner.

O’Donnell then hit the post early in the second half, before Spencer pulled a goal back with a close-range finish to set up a nervy finish.

Curzon pushed for the equaliser and got it in stoppage time, as Matthews was highest to nod home a towering header over Alex Mitchell.

Blyth remain 22nd, three points behind Farsley Celtic, who they play on Tuesday night, while the Nash drop to 12th.