PRUDHOE YC Seniors came within a whisker of causing a cup upset against Blyth Town on Saturday.

And had it not been for a controversial disallowed goal, they could have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Northern Alliance Reeves Independent George Dobbins League Cup.

Despite their 3-1 home defeat, Prudhoe gave a good account of themselves in a game which was not put to bed until Blyth’s third goal in the 84th minute.

Blyth, riding high at the top of the Northern Alliance Premier Division, were favourites in the quarter-finals tie.

But Prudhoe, sixth in the division below, approached the fixture with confidence.

Young forward Sam Dib-Fuller fired wide for Prudhoe after 24 minutes, before the visitors enjoyed a purple patch.

Home keeper Mark Clark was forced into making two vital saves in quick succession, then a Town shot from the edge of the box clipped the crossbar.

On 41 minutes, Blyth took the lead after a good team move and neat finish.

Prudhoe started the second half brightly, and Matty Robinson forced a save from the visiting keeper on 46 minutes.

Shortly afterwards, Prudhoe were convinced they had equalised after the ball struck a Blyth defender, and appeared to have crossed the line.

Protests from the Seniors’ players, who were convinced the ball had travelled a foot over the line, were ignored.

Prudhoe continued to probe, and both Danny Driver and Kieran Russel went close, before they finally scored an equaliser on 60 minutes.

The referee pointed to the spot after a push in the penalty area, and Brad Rogers stepped up to make it 1-1.

Blyth regained their lead just four minutes later, however, and in the later stages of the game, Prudhoe keeper Clark made two further crucial saves to deny the league leaders. A third and final goal from Town came on 85 minutes.

Prudhoe secretary Duncan Graham said: “It was a very promising display from our lads and both manager Lee Blackburn, and coach Tony Wigham, were very happy with the performance against a very good side. Things didn’t quite go our way but there were many positives.”