After a disappointing home showing against Hinckley United on the Easter Monday, it was a completely different performance from Spartans in overcoming Midlanders.

Spartans, kicking into the strong wind and rain, took the lead on 20 minutes.

Steve Birks found Rob Dale on the left, and his 45-yard crossfield pass to Ben Christensen spilt the visitors fence wide open.

Christensen then centred into the area for Adrian Webster to volley home past keeper Lee Harper.

Spartans had an escape when defender Andrew Leeson lost the ball just outside his own penalty area and Anthony Robinson shot straight at Adam Bartlett.

The home side increased their lead on 35 minutes.

A long punt up field by Christensen was chased down by Martin Houlahan after defender Guy Branston had left it expecting it to go out for a goal kick,

Houlahan pulled the ball back across the six-yard area for Webster to turn the ball home for his second of the afternoon.

The Poppies had the ball in the home net just before the break.

Jon Brady's free kick being headed home by Branston but referee Sygmuta had already blown for a push on Birks.

Spartans should have added to their goal tally deep into injury time at the end of the first half.

Webster's short corner floated into the penalty area by Dale for Gary Brown to head wide from six yards.

The visitors came out looking to get back into the game, the closest chance falling to captain John Dempster who headed straight at keeper Bartlett.

At the other end second half debutants Ged Dalton and Richard Follett linked up with Dalton being denied by good save from keeper Harper at the death.

Blyth Spartans: Adam Bartlett, Ben Christensen, Kenny Boyle, Andrew Leeson, Gareth Williams, Gary Brown, Adrian Webster (sub Richard Follett), Steve Birks, Robert Dale (sub Michael Hedley), Alex Gildea, Martin Houlahan (Ged Dalton). Subs not used: Graham Fenton, Peter Snowdon.

Attendance: 465.


Forthcoming Blue Square North fixtures

• Saturday, April 5, Nuneaton, away, 3pm


• Saturday, April 12, Worcester City, home, 3pm


• Saturday, April 19, Boston United, away, 3pm