Blyth Spartans 3-2 Vauxhall Motors

Jan 20 2010 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

Blyth Spartans3

Vauxhall Motors2

VAUXHALL can count themselves unlucky not to come away with at least a point from Croft Park on Saturday as they remain rooted to the bottom of the Blue Square North table.

The Motormen started brightly but after 18 minutes they were a goal behind when Paul Brayson found himself in space and placed a right foot shot past Vauxhall keeper James Coates.

Just two minutes later however leading goalscorer Lee Furlong equalised when he met Chris Lane’s cross.

Vauxhall continued to push forward and on 26 minutes Josh Wilson was unlucky to see his angled shot rattle the crossbar. Chris Noone, Karl Noon and Tom Hannigan all went close but the Motormen just couldn’t find the back of the net.

After the interval, Vauxhall defender Lee Dames was harshly sent off following a challenge that looked like he had won the ball however the referee saw it differently.

As both teams chased the winner Blyth striker Robbie Dale was played in down the left and fired past Coates to put the hosts ahead with four minutes remaining. Vauxhall never gave up however and in the last minute Karl Noon latched onto a long ball to lob the keeper and make it 2-2.

As the Motormen looked like they were heading home with a deserved point, Blyth were awarded a penalty four minutes into added time when Alan Griffiths was controversially penalised for hand ball. Ex-Northwich striker Paul Brayson slammed home the penalty to give Blyth victory.

On Saturday the Motormen are at home for the first time since early December when they take on Alfreton Town at Rivacre Park (3pm ko).

Tickets are £8 for adults with £5 concessions, £3 for students and free for under-16s.