By John Chapman
BLYTH SPARTANS 0
STOCKPORT COUNTY 1
STOCKPORT COUNTY all but guaranteed a home tie in the play-offs as they sentenced Blyth Spartans to an eighth defeat in nine games.
Jimmy Ball’s strike in first half stoppage time proved to be the difference between the two sides in a hard fought game at Croft Park.
The only goal came from a County throw-in that Jason Oswell helped on for Ball to hammer home with a first-time shot.
Dan Maguire put an early effort over the bar for Spartans, with Matty Warburton lobbing well wide at the other end.
Peter Jameson’s diving save deni...