Recap: Blyth Spartans 0-1 Harriers

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HARRIERS started the new 2022-23 season with a win as Ashley Hemmings netted to secure three points at Blyth Spartans.

Last season’s top scorer, who ended the term on 18 goals, wasted no time in getting off the mark on day one here – just as he did at York to bring the curtain up on the campaign prior.

His second half strike settled the affair that, in the end, Harriers controlled fairly decisively and really ought to have won by more. Hemmings’ trickery, that of sub Zak Brown and the pace of Yusifu Ceesay were just a few of the weapons doing the damage on the day.

That said, it was a much more cagey affair early on in the match as neither side found themselves able to settle into the groove of the new campaign. The home side actually came closest to opening the scoring past the quarter-hour when Tom Palmer’s low save did well to keep out a driven effort from McNall.

There were signs of what would come in the second half when Harriers ended the first on top – Ceesay seeing one effort well blocked on the edge of the area, before Owen-Evans combined quick passes with Ethan Freemantle. The striker found himself in on goal and blazed over the bar with just the keeper to beat.

While the second period did belong to Blyth, it did take a good save from Palmer to set the team on their way – barely a minute after the restart he did well to tip a long-range driver from Deverdics over the bar.

From there, though, Harriers took control. With 52 minutes on the clock they had the lead. Owen-Evans turned an expert pass into the path of a charging Ceesay who won his race, sliding the ball low into the area for Hemmings to sweep home.

An incisive, fast-paced move 20 minutes later almost produced a superb team goal. Joe Foulkes battled excellently to win and carry the ball, Ceesay at the point of the move advancing with the ball and bending it just wide of the upright.

Ceesay and Brown caused Blyth constant headaches in the last third of the game. After Ceesay almost caught out goalkeeper Mitchell and netted a second for Harriers, Brown’s awareness then got him to the ball ahead of the stopper, playing back to Hemmings who scooped over.

Liddle for Blyth had a rare second half chance for the hosts with 13 left to play, but there was still time for three more chances for the Reds. First, Hemmings forced Mitchell into a near-post save from a corner, before sublime Owen-Evans turn left him in space before he crashed one wide.

With just two left on the clock, sub Gabby Rogers and Keziah Martin showed good feet and speed, combining to work the ball into the area where Hemmings went for the spectacular, firing over with an overhead kick.

Get full line-ups and key match facts at The Match Centre.

The new season continues with a first game of the term at Aggborough on Saturday against Leamington (3pm).

Meanwhile, a Harriers XI will play a friendly match at Bromsgrove Sporting on Tuesday night.

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