Southport FC lose narrowly to Blyth Spartans in five goal thriller at Haig Avenue

Southport 2 Blyth Spartans 3 

By JMU Student Alex Richardson

Southport FC suffered their first defeat of the season at Haig Avenue as visitors, Blyth Spartans, came away victors in a 5-goal thriller.

Captain Adam Anson’s header proved only a consolation with 15 minutes to go as The Sandgrounders came away on the losing side of an entertaining 3-2 contest.

The hosts took an early lead after neither side managed to get a good grasp of the ball in the opening stages with both sides initially struggling for possession.

An excellent delivery from Charlie Munro, who continued his set-piece prominence throughout the game, sent the ball inswinging to the back post, where George Newell rose the highest at the back post to nod in from two yards out – marking his first start of the campaign with a goal.

Blyth, however, despite being 1-0 down, refused to shy away from the game – creating some good openings – including an effort which saw Cameron Mason heavily hesitant in coming off his line, allowing Spartans striker the chance to cut back, however snatched at the shot – and Mason redeemed himself with a brilliant save.

Blyth then managed to find an equaliser five minutes from half-time through Sunderland loanee, Patrick Almond, after an inviting ball was delivered by Byrne on the left-hand side, which was only cleared as far as North-East defender, who set himself up and struck ferociously, first time, leaving Mason with no chance.

As the second half arrived, both sides had their close chances with Connor Woods proving to be the most dangerous early on for Southport after another lovely ball from Munro.

Blyth then took the lead through a brilliant strike from JJ O’Donnell, who cut in on his favoured left foot as we had seen earlier in the half and unleashed from 25 yards out, giving Mason no chance.

Then only moments later, the visitors added a two-goal cushion on their lead after a fantastically weighted ball from deep, up to the only man forward for the Spartans, McNall, who netted an impressive, cushioned header.

Southport then almost immediately answered back, through defender, Adam Anson – who latched onto the ball at the back post and nodded it over Mitchell – who was in no man’s land.

Liam Watson’s men then went on to snatch at the remaining chances in desperation for an equaliser, but Blyth, with their backs to the wall, managed to see out the final stages of the game – grabbing their first win in four.

Subs Buckley-Ricketts for Mansell 69, Benjamin for Vassallo 77 and Corrigan for Newell 90+1

Attendance 769

Southport Brewery Sponsored Man Of The Match chosen by Match Sponsors Sports 360 was Adam Anson.

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