Hooper ends the Spartans’ horror run

By Rob Urwin

Mar 17, 2024

SOUTHPORT 2 BLYTH SPARTANS 3

AFTER four clean sheets in a row it took the visitors just seven minutes to put a dent in that record when a defensive lapse allowed JJ Hooper the easiest of chances to tap home from close range. It was Hooper again in the 25th minute who increased the lead but this time it was a fantastic strike from 25 yards that flew past Chris Renshaw in the home goal.Southport pulled a goal back against the run of play after fine interplay down the left between Richie Bennett and Danny Lloyd ended with Lloyd firing home from six yards.Blyth restored their two goal lead when, with the home defence static, Jack Bodenham headed in from a corner.The Sandgrounders pulled a goal back through Bennett in the 54th minute heading home after great work by Marcus Carver.Despite an improved showing from the home side in the second half they had little to show for their endeavour, Carver and Bennett went close but Blyth were able to comfortably see the game out and took home a well deserved three points.Southport’s poor run of home form continues and for Blyth it was a welcome win after a ten-game winless run had seen them slip dangerously close to the danger zone.

STAR MAN: JJ Hooper (Blyth Spartans)

ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★