Match Report: Blyth Spartan’s vs Pontefract Collieries

Blyth Spartan’s 2-1 Pontefract Collieries

Spartans made it four wins on the bounce at Croft Park with a brilliant comeback against Pontefract Collieries, ending their unbeaten run since November.

Joe Lumsden gave Pontefract the lead in the 37th minute. Blyth were back on level terms in added time in the first half when Jamie Clark converted a penalty. Paul Van-Zandvliet was on hand at the back post to fire Spartans ahead in the 51st minute.

With joint top goalscorer Michael Fowler unavailable, Jamie Clark filled in and converted a penalty, helping Spartans secure the win.

Charlie Stirland played a blind back pass under no pressure, straight into the path of striker Joe Lumsden. With only Callum Dobson to beat, the forward calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to give the Colls the lead with under ten minutes remaining in the first half.

Jamie Clark was brought down in the box, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot during added time. Clark sent the goalkeeper the wrong way with a composed finish into the bottom-left corner, marking his second goal since returning to a Spartans shirt.

Blyth hadn’t been at their best in the first half after gifting Pontefract the lead, but the late equaliser was a crucial one, giving them momentum heading into the second half.

Harry Christy produced a superb fingertip save onto the crossbar from an unbelievable shot from Jack Foalle, and the rebound fell perfectly for Paul Van-Zandvliet, who arrived late at the back post to fire Blyth into the lead, minutes into the second half.

Blyth, echoing Saturday’s performance, was growing in confidence and attacking with freedom, posing a threat every time they broke forward.

Just under an hour had been played when Charlie Wood produced a vital intervention to deny Pontefract an equaliser.

Spartans held on in the end to come from behind for a 2-1 victory at Croft Park, marking their fourth consecutive home win and bringing Pontefract’s incredible unbeaten run since November to an end.