Farsley 0 Blyth Spartans 2

FARSLEY failed to reach the first junction on the road to Wembley as they were knocked out of the FA Trophy in the first round by Blyth Spartans.

The Spartans are in the top tier of the Evo-Stik League but are low in the Premier Division table. However, they went into the game high in confidence after a win in the FA Cup at Leek Town and a draw at FC United of Manchester in the league.

They continued that momentum but Farsley did have chances in the goalless first half, Kyle Hancock going closest as he hit the post with a seventh-minute free-kick. The visitors also hit the woodwork, Matty Wade’s shot grazing the post.

Blyth finally made the breakthrough five minutes into the second half but it was from a disputed penalty. Spencer Harris was adjudged to have fouled Arran Wearmouth and Damen Mullen sent Tom Taylor the wrong way from the spot.

Farsley enjoyed a good spell of pressure after going behind but their luck was out. Visiting keeper Peter Jefferies made good saves to foil Ross Daly and Lewis Morgan, while Hancock and substitute Marcus Edwards had shots cleared off the line.

The Spartans hit back to double their lead just after the hour when Nathan Buddle got a faint touch on Mullen's free-kick.

The home side refused to let their heads drop and came back at Blyth but the chances they created went unconverted.

Farsley boss Neil Parsley saw a vast improvement in his players after a disappointing league defeat at basement outfit Padiham.

He said: “We were a lot better than last week and I think the performance warranted a replay but we didn’t get the rub of the green and you need that bit of luck in the cup.

“It is difficult for me to comment on the penalty because I didn’t see it but I understand it was given for a trip. The second goal came from a free-kick that I thought wasn’t a free-kick.

“We pushed them back and had chances but there were goal-line clearances, fine saves and defensive blocks. I think we did all right against a side from a higher division. If you are going to lose, I would rather lose in that manner.

“My lads gave their all and that is all I can ask. It’s better than lying down and having our tummies tickled like we did at Padiham.”