Nantwich Town suffered a cruel late defeat away at Blyth Spartans in a match they deserved more from, writes Richard Scott.
The Dabbers took the lead midway through the first half through Harry Clayton (pictured).
But a penalty from Stephen Turnbull and a last-gasp strike by Robbie Dale saw Nantwich’s three-game winning run ended.
The Dabbers were forced into two changes, with Mark Jones missing due to work commitments and Liam Shotton out with injury.
Johnathan Moran and Clayton came in, with Steve Jones and Shaun Dowling on the bench.
Blyth created their only serious chance of the first half early on, when Aaron Wearmouth’s cross was deflected by Andy White onto the bar.
The Dabbers were fighting against the wind and a solid Spartans defence in the first period.
But they put the hosts under plenty of pressure, with Sean Cooke going close on 12 minutes when his free kick was well saved by Nicholas Thomson.
Nantwich deservedly took the lead on 26 minutes, thanks to Clayton.
The forward stole the ball off a defender and slotted it past Thomson to make it two in two.
Matty Kosylo could have made it 2-0 on 34 minutes when the Dabbers broke through Platt.
He played in Kosylo who turned a defender, but his shot curled wide.
Led by stand in captain Mat Bailey, Nantwich stood firm in defence and limited the hosts in terms of chances.
In first half added time, Ben Harrison was badly hurt and the Dabbers had to see out the half with 10 men.
After the break, Shaun Dowling came on in his place.
The visitors started the second half full of desire. PJ Hudson broke into the box but he fired over the bar.
White had an effort from outside the box which went wide.
Clayton then won a corner which led to further chances, with the second from Cooke almost catching out the Blyth keeper.
Then Smith produced a stunning save as he stopped Maguire from six yards out.
Then Blyth won a penalty when Moran brought his man down and Turnbull sent Smith the wrong way to level.
The goal lifted the home crowd as Blyth found renewed hope.
But Dabbers could have regained the lead. Hudson and Kosylo set up Cooke whose shot was blocked, it fell to Clayton whose effort was well saved from point-blank range.
The game opened up as both teams went for the win.
On 73 minutes Clayton was replaced by Mark Winslade.
Moran’s header rom a Cooke corner was straight at the keeper.
Smith had to make another fine save as Davis broke through on goal, but the Dabbers keeper was able to deny the sub.
In the final change for the Dabbers Steve Jones came on for Nicky Platt.
Sub Jones could have been an instant hero as Kosylo disposed Dale and allowed the former Northern Ireland man in. His effort whistled wide.
The match was won with just three minutes to go when a low cross was turned in by Dale.
Smith got a touch to the ball, but he couldn’t keep the ball out.
Winslade latched on to a long ball headed on by Bailey, who had gone up front.
But the forward’s looping effort landed on the top of the net with Thomson beaten.
Despite four minutes of added time, Nantwich couldn’t find an equaliser.
Phil Parkinson’s men will be hoping for three points when they welcome Whitby Town to the Weaver Stadium on Tuesday April 14. Kick-off is 3:00pm.
Nantwich Town: Smith, Moran, White, Bailey (C), Harrison, Osborne, Hudson, Platt, Clayton, Cooke and Kosylo. Subs: Winslade (on for Clayton, 73 minutes), S.Jones (on for Platt, 79 minutes), Mighten, Dowling (on for Harrison, 46 minutes) and Hartley.
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