The visitors created the first opening when from a Ben Christensen throw-in Robert Dale headed down to striker Martin Holuhan who volleyed narrowly over from inside the penalty area.

But on 14 minutes the home side took the lead.

Mark Noon was allowed to run into the Blyth penalty area before Adam Bartlett blocked his effort and Andrew Leeson unfortunately saw his clearance fall at the left foot of Connor Franklin who hammered the ball home from 25 yards.

Blyth came close in the last minutes of the first half when Christensen shot over.

Ten minutes into the second half Spartans saw manager Harry Dunn shown the red card and sent to the stand after an argument with the assistant referee over an elbow on Steve Birks.

But just after the hour Spartans were level.

Dale's dribble into the area saw defender Gavin Cowan clatter the Blyth player to the ground, and from the spot kick Gareth Williams hammered the ball home.

The home side pushed for a winner with sub Danny Williams heading wide, but the Spartans again showed that they are no pushovers away from Croft Park.

Blyth Spartans: Adam Bartlett, Ben Christensen, Kenny Boyle, Andrew Leeson, Peter Snowdon, Gareth Williams, Adrian Webster (sub Chris McCabe), Alex Gildea, Robert Dale, Martin Houlahan (sub Ged Dalton), Steve Birks (sub Michael Hedley) Subs not used: Graham Fenton.

Attendance: 852.

Forthcoming fixtures

• Saturday, April 12, Worcester City, home, 3pm


• Tuesday, April 15, Solihull Motors, home, 7.45pm


• Saturday, April 19, Boston United, away, 3pm


• Northumberland Senior Cup Final, Wednesday, April 23, Newcastle United Reserves, at St James' Park, kick-off 7.30pm


• Saturday, April 26, Leigh RMI, away, 3pm