BLYTH SPARTANS 0, ASHTON UNITED 3
Ashton United’s impressive run of form continued with an untroubled victory in the North East at Blyth Spartans as they climbed to third place in Pitching In Northern Premier League, Premier.
While the Robins extended their unbeaten run to seven matches, Spartans are in serious danger of a second successive relegation amid mutterings from the home fans.
In in the meantime, two goals from in-form James Hardy sandwiched one from Jason Gilchrist earned Ashton victory.
Within two minutes, a cross from Alex Byrne had been cleared with the move ending with Callum Rowe steering his effort past the far post.
The after 14 minutes, the opening goal arrived as Darius Osei held possession from Sean Newton’s pass and set up Hardy for a fine strike from just outside the area.
Hardy’s overlap then saw his pull back led to Osei forcing a low save from Matt Bancroft before Hardy was flagged offside and a break from a corner saw Byrne’ s attempted pass to Remi Effunuga overhit.
Three minutes into the second period, captain Luke Burke advanced and saw his shot rebound off Bancroft for half-time substitute Gilchrist to turn it home close in.
Two minutes later, the home side registered their first shot on target as Dean Briggs gave Jordan Eastham an easy save after Newton had blocked his first attempt.
Alfie Docherty then picked up a booking for chasing back Osei and Newton could have done better then to head Burke’s subsequent delivery well over the top.
Approaching the hour, Dan Myers’ cross was headed against the frame of the goal by JJ Hooper with a possible push on Newton ignored and a free kick won by Zach Simpson dropped to Hooper who brought a low save out of Eastham.
Burke was alert to block out Charlie Aitken as the last man before a break at the other end saw a left-wing cross reach Hardy who switched on to his left foot before providing a composed finish for Ashton’s third goal.
With the game being played out, Paddy Almond fired a loose ball wide of the far post before he cleared Burke’s cross for a corner which ended with Newton glancing Hardy’s delivery wide of the far post.
Ashton United: Eastham, Effunuga (Bjork 81), Doherty, Newton, Burke, Baird, Byrne (Gilchrist 46), White, Hardy, Osei (Cowan 86), Rowe (Catt 86). Sub (unused): Denton.
Attendance: 423.
Report: David Robinson.