Late Blyth Spartans flurry seals 3-0 win over Ossett United

Blyth Spartans maintained their unbeaten home record after a flurry of goals towards the end of the game saw them defeat 10-man Ossett United 3-0 on Tuesday evening.

Paul Van-Zandvliet opened the scoring after returning from suspension before an Ossett own goal and a Jack Foalle penalty capped a brilliant night at Croft Park.

Spartans had plenty of impetus about them after Saturday's win over North Ferriby, but failed to capitalise on some good opportunities in the opening stages of the game. The best chance of the first half came through Foalle, who delivered an inviting ball into the box which arrived inches in front of the incoming Paul Dudgeon.

Ossett regained control after half-time and forced two reaction saves out of Callum Dobson in quick succession. But Blyth boss Marc Nash turned to his bench with 15 minutes left to play, and was rewarded when substitute Van-Zandvliet turned home from a yard out in the 83rd minute.

Spartans doubled their lead three minutes later as Foalle was once again involved, delivering a cross into the box which was turned home by an Ossett defender.

The night was then capped off by star man Foalle in stoppage time when the lively forward broke in behind the Sheepicorns defence before being hauled down in the area, which resulted in Tyrell Dawes receiving a red card for the visitors. Foalle converted the resulting penalty with conviction to hand Spartans their second victory at Croft Park in three days, sending the 534 fans in attendance home happy.

Speaking after the final whistle, manager Nash said: “In the end, [it was] really good. We wanted to back up Saturday’s win, and it was a perfect evening for football, under the lights, so everything was set up. We got there in the end. On the whole, it was mad, we played better first half - much, much better.

“Second half it kind of descended into a scrap. Probably a lot of disruption from them. The referee, we didn’t know if we were coming or going with him at times, but thankfully the subs freshened things up. Overall, a thoroughly deserved three points.”

Blyth’s next game is a trip to NPL Premier Division side Workington AFC on Saturday as the two sides face off in the FA Trophy.