THE Spartans were held to a 2-2 draw by Buxton at Croft Park, a result which leaves Blyth 16th in Evo-Stik Premier.

Yet, while Atkinson could not fault his players for their sterling efforts, the Spartans manager was left “aggrieved” his side had not taken advantage of a series of opportunities to claim victory over their seventh-placed opponents.

Atkinson said: “It’s the same old story, where’s Lady Luck?.

“Look at Robbie Dale’s volley in the last five minutes.

“It hit the underside of the bar and came out through a crowd of our players but we couldn’t capitalise.

“I am aggrieved, but I have a good set of lads and they’ll run all day for me.”

That much was clear from the outset and, after an early Dale effort was blocked by Kallum Keane, Blyth took the lead on 20 minutes .

Andy Jennings was brought down by the same Buxton player and Craig Hubbard opened his Spartans’ account, scoring his side’s first penalty in five attempts.

Jennings then went close himself before Wayne Buchanan hit a post, but Buxton equalised in the 32nd minute when Mark Reed headed Matt Thornhill’s long throw beyond Conor Grant and the goalscorer then nodded his side in front on the hour.

By then, Shaun Utterson had struck the crossbar from 25 yards and, with 13 minutes left, he went one better by firing Dale’s lay-off past Craig Dootson.

After that, it was all Blyth. Lee Mason twice went close, Dale’s 25-yard volley crashed against the crossbar and in the dying seconds Hubbard poked over.

BLYTH SPARTANS: Grant, Utterson, Airey, Hubbard, Buchanan, Slaughter, Mullen (Maguire), Hooks (Mason), Jennings, McGorrigan (Berj), Dale.

BUXTON: Dootson, Black, Sandwith, Istead, Keane, Roberts, Stevens, Thornhill (Morris), Reed, Maxfield (Lugsden), Duncum.

Attendance: 301.

Referee: Mr Campbell.