Brassy double boosts Blyth; FA TROPHY.

A SECOND-HALF Paul Brayson double put Blyth Spartans into the first round of the FA Trophy following a 2-0 win over fellow Conference North side Stafford Rangers at Croft Park.

Brayson, a quality finisher throughout his career, struck in the 70th and 84th minutes as the Spartans won for the first time in six outings.

Manager Mick Tait said: "It took a while for us to get going.

"We had no tempo in the first half and did not move the ball quickly enough, making it easy for Stafford to stop us.

"At half time I asked for an extra 10% effort in the second half, which I got, and we were dominant.

"When we are not playing well we need to dig in.

"This has not happened enough recently, but on Saturday we worked really hard, especially in the second half.

"We created a lot of chances in the end, but those two goals from Paul Brayson were great finishes.

"We were also solid at the back with Williams and Bains playing really well.

"We have horrendous injuries, so against Morpeth Town in the Northumberland Senior Cup tomorrow night others may be given a chance."

Tait added: "We desperately needed to win this game.

"The defeat at Telford in the FA Cup has been playing on the players' minds - we have lots of ability, but it is a mental thing which has been a problem.

"We have halted the slide. We are getting it back together, and hopefully we will receive another home draw in the next round."

Brayson''s opener was fashioned by fellow strikers Ian Graham and John Alexander.

His second came after Stafford new boy Jermaine Johnson was sent off.

Alexander''s measured pass saw Brayson cut inside a defender to confidently find the far corner and seal the tie.

Blyth, meanwhile, have signed two teenage forwards - former Newcastle United trainee James Marwood and Gateshead College's leading scorer Michael Hepplewhite.

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HAT-TRICK HERO: Paul Brayson