Blyth Town vs Birtley Town

Recap

Birtley Town booked their place in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round for the first time in their history. 

Goals from Callum Turnbull and Scott Heslop secured another piece of history for The Hoops as they progressed from the preliminary rounds for the 1st time. The Hoops were well aware that Blyth had started their season in blistering form following a summer of heavy investment. Birtley were delighted to welcome skipper Alex Francis into the squad while Lewis Exley replaced Sam Hedley at left-back. 

The Hoops took an early lead when Callum Turnbull dispatched a o penalty on 9 minutes. Following a small scramble in the box, Matthew Ward had look certain to score but his effort was saved on the line by Blyth skipper George Hayton. The referee correctly pointed to the spot and dismissed the Blyth man for a deliberate handball. Birtley lad CT stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way. Ex-Hoops player Liam Wotherspoon was involved in a heated exchange with Matty Ward before the game was stopped due to a nasty injury to Blyth keeper Cameron. Everyone at Birtley would like to wish him well in his recovery. 

Blyth created an opening through Adam Johnson after neat play with Dan Wilson. The Blyth winger could only produce a weak finish that was easily dealt with by Alfie Gordon. Moments later, a Sam Dinsley corner evaded everyone and eventually cannoned off Owen Lancaster and went narrowly wide. 

Half-Time | Blyth Town 0-1 Birtley Town

In the opening stages Nick Marley had a chance to extend our lead but his effort crashed into the side netting following good work from Scott Heslop. At the other end, Liam Wotherspoon connected well with a cushioned pass from Dan Wilson but his effort sailed wide. The hosts showing that despite the numerical disadvantage they were still a threat. The Hoops should of been further ahead but Marley’s effort went wide of the target. Marley turned provider just moments later when his flick on was met by Scott Heslop. Hezzy made no mistake and dinked the ball over the keeper to double Birtley’s lead. 

Matty Ward had a further chance to extend our lead but his effort was well saved. The game finished with some slight confusion when Liam Wotherspoon was shown a second yellow card but the referee quickly realising that it was his first booking of the game. The final whistle arrived after 5 minutes of injury time, much to the delight of the Birtley faithful. 

Full-Time | Blyth Town 0-2 Birtley Town

Player of the match – Scott Heslop

Attendance – TBC

Manager’s Corner 

Reece Chapman was delighted with the win: “We were fantastic throughout the game. Blyth are a good side and I paid them a lot of credit in the post match with Nova Radio. With that in mind we had to stick to our plan and we needed to be competitive in every moment. I thought we did that excellently. We showed some fantastic quality and overall probably did enough to win the game.”

“We’re delighted to be through to the next round and we’ve just seen the draw. To be at home is fantastic. Our travelling support has been great – especially at Blyth this weekend, so with a home tie now we hope that even more of the town get behind us. Whickham or Dunston will be a great test for us but we’re looking forward to giving it our best. We wish both the best of luck on the replay”

“We hope Adam (Blyth Town Goalkeeper) is well after the collision with Hezzy”

H2H vs Blyth Town (at Gateway Park)
P2 W0 D2 L0 GF4 GA4 Pts 2

Next up…

The Hoops host Kendal Town on Tuesday night. Kick-off is 7.45pm at the The Arrowmark

Highlights