84 mins O'Brien shot 2-1

Full time: Spartans 1 Newcastle 2

Tommy Craig said:

"They were slightly the better team but, after a few strong words at half-time, we managed to pin them in their own half for the majority of the second period.

"I thought we shaded the game in terms of chances, but Blyth looked the more likely to score in the first half, and they did.

"But we got one back just before half-time, which was a boost to us because we had not played very well.

"And, thankfully, Alan O'Brien come up with a real cracker of a goal to win it 2-1, but it was a hard-earned win.

"He's (McClen) a good player, he has great feet and he conjured up the angle for himself to shoot with his left foot, and he managed to open the scores with a great strike.

"Martin got to the byline and put a great ball across for Alan just to knock in at the near post for the first one. I was pleased with Alan because he put a lot into the game and for him to get a couple of goals was well deserved.

"He's so quick and he is probably the quickest player I have ever handled. He showed his pace and set himself up for a wonderful goal to win it.

"It is never easy to win this competition because you come up against some good non-league sides, like Blyth and Bedlington, but it is always good to finish with a wee bit of silverware."

Two-goal Alan O'Brien told the Chronicle:

"I am pleased with the two goals, but also pleased we got the win. Blyth played well but we managed to pick it up for the second half."

"Britt did really well - he got past their full-back, like he did for the whole game, and it was a great ball in.

"Tommy Craig was shouting for me to get to the near post and luckily I got there in time to tuck it in.

"I heard Britt shouting for it once I took it round the keeper so I left it for him. He struck it, but it come back to me for my second goal.

"We have had a decent season, but we really wanted to win last night. And I am delighted we got the result to get some silverware."

Reserves:
Who put the ball in the ex-mackem's net?

Winger Alan O'Brien scored twice past Blyth's former mackem 'keeper Craig Turns to win the Northumberland Senior Cup for our Reserve side at the Wheatsheaf Ground on Wednesday night.

Tommy Craig's young side had to come from behind though after ex-Mag Jamie McClen turned inside Kris Gate and fired home from the edge of the area to give Blyth the lead on 18 minutes.

Having barely threatened previously, United went close to levelling on 35 minutes when Alan O'Brien motored down the left and centred for James Troisi to hit a low first time shot - Turns making a good stop.

But it was all square five minutes later when O'Brien touched in Brittain's low cross from close range.

Bidding for a third trophy within a week, Blyth almost restored the advantage a minute before the break when Gildea hit Forster's near post from close range.

Newcastle made a triple substitution at the break with Krul, Baxter and Atkin replacing Forster, Huntington and Troisi respectively - Dutch 'keeper Krul returning from injury.

Spartans showed little in attack in the second period but seemed to be holding firm at the back as extra-time loomed.

But six minutes from time United made their pressure tell with a flowing move to bring O'Brien his second of the evening and wrap up the season nicely.   

A Spartans attack floundered when Peter Ramage cleared downfield, Finnigan letting it run on to Atkin who found O'Brien on the overlap down the right flank.

The winger made for goal and as the 'keeper came out slipped the ball infield to Martin Brittain. His shot was blocked but the ball ran loose to O'Brien, following up, who rammed it home.

Spartans included former Blackburn striker Graham Fenton in their side - a shade over ten years ago, he was rather more successful in denying Newcastle some silverware....

Biffa

Reserves