Dromara lad almost helps Blyth to FA Cup upset

Local player Jordan Watson in action for Northern Ireland. Watson was part of the Blyth Spartans side which almost caused an FA Cup upset against Birmingham City. Picture by Darren Kidd/Presseye.com

The footballing minnows, who play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of English football, almost pulled off a giant killing against Championship side Birmingham City on Saturday.

The Spartans, featuring Dromora full back Watson, came close to pulling off a shock as the magic of the FA Cup was witnessed once again, when they took a two goal lead against the much bigger side.

Luck wasn’t on their side, however, as Birmingham came back to win 3-2, but Blyth certainly took their time in the spotlight and made the most of it.

Watson, who was previously on the books at Sunderland, was part of the Blyth squad which had already beaten Altrincham 4-1 and Hartlepool 2-1 in their previous FA Cup matches this season.

Elsewhere, Banbridge forward Shay McCartan was on target for Accrington Stanley in a 2-1 win at Exeter City.

McCartan got a crucial equaliser in the second half, before Stanley scored an injury time winner to keep up their promotion push.