Blyth Spartans handed first defeat in five at the hands of title chasing Steelmen.

Redcar Athletic 1-0 Blyth Spartans.

Blyth Spartans five game unbeaten run in the NPL East was ended on Wednesday night at the hands of league leaders Redcar Athletic. 

A second half strike from Owen Burns was enough to separate the sides in a game that was filled with opportunities but very little clinical edge. 

Marc Nash handed Lucas Taylor his debut after the young forward signed from Fleetwood town last month, Rio Joisce was the other change from the team that defeated Ossett United on Saturday.

CREDIT: BLYTH SPARTANS

Redcar immediately looked to get on the front foot, Louis Johnson fancied his chances taking on a strike but was denied by the post in the opening seconds of the game. 

Spartans grew into the game after the opening 15 minutes and had a golden chance of their own to open the scoring, Paul Van Zandvliet found space in the steelmen’s box but his effort could only be placed wide keeping the scores level. 

Both teams pushed for the opening goal towards the end of the first half but the best chance fell to Spartans forward Jack Foalle, Paul Dudgeon danced through the Redcar defence before squaring the ball to Foalle who could only drag the strike wide again. 

Redcar started positively after the break but still lacked the finishing touch Johnson blazed an effort over the bar before Oscar Fletcher’s strike was held by Callum Dobson. 

The Steelmen’s pressure told as they broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, Johnson received the ball out wide and delivered a cross into the area allowing Burns to smash home past Dobson.

Despite a battling performance Spartans were unable to claim anything from the game, they have the opportunity to bounce back on Saturday as they look to make it five home victories in a row when they welcome North Ferriby to Croft Park.

                                                                                          CREDIT: BLYTH SPARTANS