West traveled to Blyth to face Blyth Town, who started the league season with three wins and one draw, helping them into third position on 10 points. West were looking to continue the improved performance from Tuesday’s match against Newcastle Benfield.

New signing Layton Watts started the game in what looked to be an attacking line-up alongside James Harrison, Nathan Greenwood and Josh Scott.

Watts had the first chance of the game after 9 minutes. A shot from just outside the box was held well by the Blyth goalkeeper. Only a few minutes later, Blyth played a ball into the box from the right, and Dan Wilson gave the hosts the lead with a header. In the 27th minute, the home team found themselves down to 10 men after George Hayton came through Layton Watts from behind. Blyth led 1-0, and were down to 10 men at the half-hour mark. The extra man didn’t make too much difference, a loose ball in the West box was picked up by Adam Johnson, and Blyth took a two-goal lead. It nearly got worse, when Blyth were awarded a penalty on 40 minutes. Brandon Slater put it wide, and Blyth went in at half-time leading by two.

Ben Dale came on to replace Gary Brown at the back for West. On the hour mark, Blyth’s free-kick was saved by Nick Liversedge, but the rebound fell to Slater, who made up for his earlier penalty miss and put the home team 3-0 up. And only five minutes later, Slater converted from the spot to get his second of the night, and Blyth’s fourth. Alfie Conway and Charlie Wood both came on to replace Luke Bailey and Liam Hegarty, and it was Wood who got on the scoresheet for West. A free-kick was sent in by Watts, and Wood met it with a leaping header, 4-1

Coach Stuart Niven gave his thoughts on last night and recent performances.

“Individual errors are costing us at the moment and we need to find a way to stop them happening. Most of what is going against us is our own doing, but credit to Blyth for taking advantage of that and punishing us.”

Full-Time: Blyth Town 4-1 West Auckland Town

Competition: Northern League Division One

Attendance: 110