BLYTH Spartans missed a last-minute penalty and went down 2-1 to Guiseley in Blue Square Bet North at Croft Park last night.

Despite an encouraging first-half performance, Spartans went in a goal behind. Skipper Simon Ainge got in front of his marker and volleyed past Robert Birdsall from 10 yards in the 19th minute.

Blyth kept their heads up and before the interval Greg Pearson and Chris Emms both went close.

Early in the second half Emms forced Steve Drench into a good save before Billy Mason headed in the equaliser on 66 minutes.

Within a minute, however, Blyth were again behind as Danny Forrest drove in from 25 yards.

In stoppage time Blyth were awarded a penalty, but Glen Taylor’s spot-kick was saved by Drench.

BLYTH SPARTANS: Birdsall, Slaughter, Cave, Groves, Pearson, Buchanan, Emms, Hooks, Taylor, Mole, Mason.

GUISELEY: Drench, Clarice, Merris, Toner, Brough, Ainge, Ellington, Holdsworth, Senior, Forrest, Rothery.

Attendance: 301. Referee: Mr Davidson.