Jack Foalle strike sends Blyth Spartans into play-off places with Garforth Town win

Blyth Spartans moved into the NPL East play-off places after extending their unbeaten run at Croft Park to 11 games by beating Garforth Town 1-0 on Saturday.

Jack Foalle returned from illness after missing a midweek defeat to Liversedge, and scored the only goal of the contest in the first half to seal all three points for his side.

Blyth started the game on the front foot, but were unable to take the lead, despite chances falling to Paul Dudgeon and Dan Lanning.

The deadlock was eventually broken by the home side in the 31st minute when Jordan Hickey’s free-kick wasn’t dealt with by Garforth, and Foalle converted powerfully into the bottom corner.

Marc Nash’s men almost doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half as the ball fell to Hickey on the edge of the box but his volley flew over the bar.

Foalle then looked to add to his tally with a clever flick over a Garforth defender, but his strike was saved by Miners’ goalkeeper Harry Flatters.

The visitors almost levelled the game against the run of play when a close-range effort hit the inside of the post, before Jordan Summerly raced to clear the ball off the line.

But Spartans were able to see out the victory relatively comfortably, controlling the game for the final quarter with positive introductions from the bench - including Olly Martin, who returned after being sidelined for eight weeks.

Spartans’ next fixture is on Tuesday, October 20th as they welcome Nathan Haslam’s Matlock Town to Croft Park, with both sides currently sitting in the play-offs.