Ashington -v- Blyth Spartans 7th April 2010

Northumberland Senior Cup Semi-Final, 7th April 2010 at Woodhorn Lane.

Northern League side Ashington hosted their Blue Square North local rivals Blyth Spartans for a place in the final at St. James' Park against Whitley Bay.

Despite creating numerous chances throughout the game, Blyth didn't score until the 83rd minute. However, by that time Ashington were already 2-0 up.
Ashington took the lead in the 18th minute when captain Iain NICKALLS headed home unchallenged from a corner.

On 42 minutes, a Blyth attack broke down on the edge of the Ashington penalty area, play then quickly moved up field and Andrew JOHNSON finished to make it 2-0 to the Colliers at half-time.

In the second half Blyth again created chances but were frustrated by their inability to find the back of the net.

With just 7 minutes remaining Paul BRAYSON, who had previously missed several easier chances, spun in the box to lash the ball into the roof of the net to set up a tense finish.

With almost all of the 4 additional minutes played in time added on, Ashington players and fans were incensed when Blyth were awarded a soft penalty for handball. Paul BRAYSON sent the 'keeper the wrong way and match was tied at 2-2 at full-time.

Both teams looked exhausted, but as extra-time got under way Blyth looked the team most likely to score.

Ashington would not buckle though, and shortly before half-time, Scott BLANDFORD scored what turned out to be the winner, finishing from 20 yards to give Mark Bell no chance in the Blyth goal.

In the Final, played on Monday 19th April, Ashington lost 2-1 to fellow Northern League side, Whitley Bay.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Northumberland
• Senior
• Cup
• Ashington
• Blyth
• Spartans
• Woodhorn
• Lane
• Paul
• Brayson
• Iain
• Nickalls
• Andrew
• Johnson
• Scott
• Blandford