Nantwich Town 2 Blyth Spartans 2

THE Evo-Stik Premier Division’s top two could not be separated at Weaver Stadium on Tuesday night as Nantwich extended their unbeaten run to 14 league games.

With the visitors holding a commanding 10-point lead going into the game, The Dabbers needed three points to keep alive their hopes of catching Blyth.

However, Luke Armstrong’s equaliser secured a point that probably suited Spartans better.

Phil Parkinson’s side had fought back to lead after falling behind to Armstrong’s opener, with Josh Hancock and John Johnston putting them in a strong position.

The game started at a fast pace, with both sides looking to assert themselves and gain control.

Sean Cooke curled a shot wide early on for Nantwich before Dan Maguire’s attempt to bundle the ball home from close range for Blyth was scrambled away.

Andy White had an effort saved before the visitors did break through just after the half-hour mark when Armstrong beat the Dabbers defence before bending a shot into the far corner.

The lead lasted just six minutes as a free kick found Hancock, who produced a stunning overhead effort to ensure the sides went into the break level.

Nantwich produced the perfect start to the second half when a ball forward picked out Johnston, who has extended his loan from Salford City until the end of the season, and wriggled past a defender before finishing beyond Blyth stopper Paul Woolston.

The hosts went in search of a third goal and had a great chance when a counter-attack found Hancock with just Woolston to beat, but the keeper was able to make a smart save.

Armstrong made them pay when he was played through by Maguire and he coolly rounded Dabbers keeper Dan Gyollai and tapped into an empty net.

Nantwich are at home again on Saturday when they host Whitby Town, kick off 3pm.