Following a successful trip to Merseyside on Saturday, Jon Shaw kept faith in the side that defeated Southport 3-2 just days beforehand. The lads once again operated in a 4-5-1/4-3-3 shape with Hooper leading the line.
From the off, the lads were very clearly up for it and were playing at a high tempo. That nearly paid off in the opening exchanges when McGowan played a blinding ball through to Hooper, but it had just a bit too much on it and Hoop’s wasn’t able to get the ball under control.
If he had been able to get a hold of the ball, I’ve absolutely no doubt he would have found the back of the net with how sharp he was looking.
Blyth were playing the ball about the pitch really well and unlike in recent weeks, there was a lot of movement as the midfield and front 3 were darting around trying to find space and open up the Buxton defence.
It very nearly paid off early on when some interlinking play between Forbes, Dev’s and Hooper saw the Dev’s fire a shot just over the bar from the edge of the box.
There was a big pause in play though, as Lidz went off early on with what looked like a knee injury. Sadly it looked like a bad one as he seemed to be in a fair bit of pain, though he was able to walk off the pitch.
Hopefully his season isn’t done. Reeve came on to replace him, taking up a spot at RB as Rhys moved over to LB, a position in which I’ve never been that comfortable with him in admittedly.
The extended break in play didn’t change the momentum of the game though, as Hooper was fed in and beat the offside trap, took it into the box and played it across to Will McGowan, but his effort appeared to be sliced over the box.
Hooper was at it again moments later as he latched onto a ball deep down the pitch on the left flank, look it all the way down the wing and played the ball across the box to Siziba, who’s shot was blocked.
Just before the half hour mark though, Spartans got their just rewards as some good play from Blyth saw Luke James take ball in the middle and play in Siziba on the right flank, who comfortably smashed home to secure a Blyth lead.
It could have been 2-0 just after that as well when Luke James on the left flank played in McGowan, who then pinged a ball into the feet of Zanda Siziba – but the on loan Wolves keeper Young was able to bat it down and a Buxton defender hooked it away.
Admittedly I missed Buxton’s equaliser as I’d gone for a pint, but apparently it came from a corner. It was a real kick in the dick for Blyth as in fairness, the lads had totally controlled that game and fully deserved the lead going into half time.
In the second half Blyth didn’t drop off, and came storming out of the traps like they did in the first half. Within just 7 minutes, the lead was restored as Hooper once again led the charge, played it to Luke James who then played in Siziba on the edge of the 6 yard box as he slotted it away.
It was 3-1 just moments later, as Hooper charged down a ball on the edge of the box and just about got it under control, only to be taken down by Young in the Buxton goal just inside the box – in a move that was reminiscent of Dan Maguire in his heyday.
Dev’s stepped up to take the pen and slotted in the bottom right hand corner, though Young did get a very strong hand to it and almost kept it out.
Afterwards the crowd were clearly in a joyous mood, and the young group of lads behind the goal were in fine voice. I’d suspect they’ve stuck around in recent weeks following free tickets that came with the takeover. Either way they’ve been class in recent weeks.
After the goal the tempo did slow a bit, as Blyth possibly ‘took their foot off the gas’ and probably looked to play it safe as the half went on. James appeared to get a knock around the hour mark, and Jordan Hickey came on to replace him.
Just after coming on, Blyth were advancing on goal and Jord had the ball. He then proceeded to pass the ball into thin air behind him, presumably just so he could win a 50/50 challenge and fuck someone up a bit the process.
Shortly after Hooper game off for Gardiner, rounding off what I thought was JJ’s best game in a Blyth shirt so far. Harry looked handy when he came on, as he latched onto a a long ball soon after and managed to get a shot away that went just passed the post.
Zanda nearly had a chance to make it 4-1 as well, cutting in from the left wing to swing an effort at goal that went just over the bar.
In the dying seconds of the game which Blyth had comfortably controlled, Buxton were awarded a penalty for an alleged handball as the ball was scrambling around box. Kirby stepped up and slotted home, but the referee blew straight after that to make the end of the game, and another win for Jon Shaw’s team.
Overall, it was one of the most complete performances the lads have put in this season. In defence, going forward and in between those dreadful boxes, they were dominate and just looked comfortable throughout.
Zanda won the Twitter MOTM, but I’d be half tempted to give it to JJ Hooper. For a lad who the Shields lot crucified for his work rate, he certainly put a shift in last night.
Defensively we were solid yet again, with Finn and Bod’s keeping one of the best strikers in the league in De Griolamo quiet all night long. Proving me wrong once again was Evans, who looked more than comfortable at LB – as he didn’t give them a sniff down that side of the pitch.
The midfield unit were once again, just pure class. My words can’t do them justice, so you’ll have to wait for the highlights to see just how good they were.
Most of all though, I really happy for Jon Shaw. Clearly the last few weeks have been excruciating for him and everyone at the club, and last Tuesday was one probably one of his lowest points in football.
So to see the lads turn it around in these last 2 games has been great. Personally I’ve been impressed with Jon ever since he came to the club last summer, and I really hope that he can succeed here as manager as not only is a he a decent bloke, he really knows his football.
As for safety, while it might not be 100% secure right at this moment, you’d have to say 4 more points and we’re all good?
Onto Saturday and hopefully 3 more points away at Peterborough Sports we go!
#HowayBlyth🟢⚪️