WHENEVER wing-back Simon Forsdick scores it’s usually top drawer – as was his 30-yarder screamer at Eastwood last month that opened his seasonal account – but Saturday’s strike that earned Nuneaton Town a vital goal was less spectacular, yet far more important. Boro were 2-1 down and had James Armson red carded for two bookable offences inside three minutes, when Forsdick’s mishit 20-yarder scuttled along the frosty turf and somehow slithered beneath the body of keeper Matt Hunter into the net. The home faithful were overjoyed, the small travelling supporters of the Northumbrians, who had made the 450-mile round trip, were downcast, but the likeable Forsdick, taking well-earned puffs on his after-match cigarette, was just plain
relieved. He said: “I’ve scored better goals in my career that’s for sure, but it was pleasing to see this one go in. When the ball dropped to me I just let fly, and didn’t get the contact I wanted. I was just about to turn away and get back in defence when I watched their keeper just dive over it and the ball just about roll over the line. In the end it earned us a point with 10 men.” He added: “Blyth came and played 4-5-1 and made it really difficult for us. We didn’t pass the ball well and hardly got our more influential players in possession as much as we should have done. “We shall have to do a rethink but I believe we could still end up as champions. We have the players and strength in depth to do that.” Blyth started positively and it needed a brilliant finger-tipped turnover by Danny Alcock to foil Graeme Armstrong’s net-bound effort. A one-handed turn over by Alcock then denied Glen Taylor’s header giving them the advantage. Andy Brown’s weak header was turned aside by Hunter but on 31 minutes Spartans took the lead as Taylor gained possession 25 yards out and his rising drive gave Alcock no chance. The response was immediate from Boro and then were level soon after. A training ground free-kick saw Gary Mills surge to the by-line and though Brown’s header was kept out by Hunter, Dean reacted smartly to volley in from six yards. However, Blyth edged ahead again in the 51st minute. Graeme Armstrong rifling home after Max Harrop’s 25-yard free-kick ricocheted to him to him off the inside of a post. Blyth should have sealed the win only for Shaun Utterson, facing an empty net, to head against the bar from two yards out from Neil Hooks’ free-kick. Within seconds Armson was sent off for two bookings inside three minutes but up stepped Forsdick to save Boro’s blushes with his point saver. Match stats (Boro first): On target 6-4, Off target 5-6, Corners 6-4, Offsides 1-0, Free-kicks conceded 13-10, Yellow cards 3-3, Red card 1-0. Man of the Match: Simon Forsdick. | 
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