Moors produced a dominant second half display to sweep aside local rivals Blyth Spartans and claim their first home win in over four months on Saturday afternoon.
It was back in October when Moors fans were last sent home happy from The Brewery Field – but that wait came to an end in fine style as goals from Corey McKeown and Rob Ramshaw clinched a potentially crucial victory.
Boss Graeme Lee handed a debut to goalkeeper Brad James, while John Lufudu and Matty Dolan were both put straight into the starting eleven after joining the Club earlier this week.
In truth, the first half was a largely forgettable affair. Whilst both sides were full of industry, good chances were at a premium and neither keeper really had a lot to occupy them.
That all changed on 44 minutes when former Blyth man McKeown pinched possession just inside opposition territory, wriggled past some desperate challenges from scrambling defenders and then curled a sumptuous effort into the top corner to make it 1-0.
The goal set the tone for the rest of the game as Moors looked comfortable, holding their visitors at arm’s length and looking a threat every time they moved forward.
A further breakthrough arrived just short of the hour mark when substitute Danny Greenfield escaped into space on the right to whip a teasing cross into the box which was fired home gleefully by Ramshaw for close range.
Mika Ndjoli, who scored three times while on loan with Blyth earlier in the season, almost netted against them when he beat the offside trap to storm into the box down the left but his drive from a tight angle was saved well by former Moors loan man Dan Langley.
There was an even better chance for Greenfield when Ramshaw capitalised on some hesitant Blyth defending to win the ball on the right of the area to feed his fellow midfielder, but Greenfield struck his first-time shot too high.
Moors looked in control during the closing stages with debutant Dolan looking unruffled in the centre of the park and new loan signing Finley Shrimpton also impressing from the bench.
Lee’s men now must quickly refocus for Tuesday night when they welcome Warrington Town to The Brewery Field in their next National League North test.
Full Time: Moors 2 Blyth Spartans 0
Moors: James, Lufudu, Mbeka, Pollock, Staunton, Dolan, Fielding (Shrimpton 54), Chimlalilo (Greenfield 54), Ramshaw, McKeown, Ndjoli (Harris 72).
Subs not used: Ledger, Gallacher.
Booked: Fielding (36), Ramshaw (71), Lufudu (78), James (84).
Blyth Spartans: Langley, Evans, Forbes, Cousin-Dawson, Bodenham, Gordon, Deverdics, Hickey, McGowan, Aitken (Arnison 63), Cook.
Subs not used: Mitchell, Clark, Joisce.
Booked: Forbes (13), Deverdics (38), Hickey (69)
Referee: Jonathan Maskrey
Attendance: 1,238 (105 Blyth Spartans)
