Manager Harry Dunn gave a first full start to Steve Birks for the suspended Adrian Webster.

And he could only muster three substitutes with Martin Houlahan (flu), Tony Stephenson and Robert Dale (knee) all missing.

In a rather physical game, Spartans physio Gary Neasham was called upon four times in the opening ten minutes to treat Blyth players.

The last resulting in Phil Bell being helped from the field after picking up a double injury to his knee and ankle.

The home side had five players cautioned to Spartans' two – Gary Brown and substitute Alex Gildea.

Gildea's first touch after replacing Bell saw the visitors call for a penalty after he was up rooted in the home area, but referee Bennett awarded a corner instead.

Andrew Johnson floated the ball into the six-yard box for Brown to head over.

The closest Spartans came to scoring fell to Chris McCabe, with a crisp effort which bounced on top of the goal netting.

The poor game was decided on 57 minutes.

Indecision in the Spartans defence allowed Scott Rickards the opportunity to find Chris Murphy who volleyed home from ten yards.

After this Spartans seemed to loose their way – resorting to the high long ball up to stand-in forward Michael Hedley, who was finding it difficult against the towering Exodus Geohaghon and Liam Murray at the back for Redditch.

A game to quickly forget and look forward to the upcoming six pointers against Hucknall and Hinckley.

Blyth Spartans: Adam Bartlett, Ben Christensen, Andrew Leeson, Peter Snowdon), Gareth Williams, Gary Brown, Michael Hedley, Chris McCabe, Philip Bell (sub Alex Gildea), Andrew Johnson, Steve Birks. Subs not used: Graham Fenton, Kenny Boyle.

Forthcoming Blue Square North Fxtures

• Saturday, March 15, Hucknall, home, kick-off 3pm


• Easter Saturday, March 22, Burscough, away, kick-off 3pm


• Easter Monday, March 24, Hinckley, home, kick-off 3pm


• Saturday, March 29, Kettering, home, kick-off 3pm