Recap: Harriers 3-0 Blyth

---

HARRIERS put in a commanding performance to win their first home game of the season 3-0 and see off Blyth Spartans. 

For the second weekend running, Ashley Hemming sand Sam Austin were on score sheet, while Ethan Freemantle had broken the deadlock with what was his first goal for the club at Aggborough.

All those goals came in a clinical second half for the Reds but, in truth, the home side pretty much dominated throughout and might well have had the lead at the interval had they shown a little more composure in the final third.

Indeed there was plenty for Russ Penn to be happy with as they did their best to take the game to an opposition that rarely had chance to show its undoubted quality, not least in attack where they have a wealth of options.

After Sterling had fizzed an effort across the face of goal, it was Cameron who forced the first save of the day as he shot at close range and kept goalkeeper Mitchell alert.

Hemmings and Austin then ensured Mitchell stayed busy as they tried to find the net, before Simpson needed to stay lively at the other end to tip a Robbie Dale free-kick around the post.

Something of a mad scramble almost saw Harriers take the lead seven minutes before the break, Freemantle having a shot blocked before Hemmings miscued one, the scramble only ended by the offside flag.

After the restart, Spartans almost stole ahead when Thompson’s shot squirmed towards goal, Simpson’s great reactions ensuring he was able to push the ball away from danger at the last moment.

That was hardly a ‘miss’, but Blyth were made to pay for it nonetheless, Freemantle opening the scoring at the other end as he blasted Austin’s pass into the net to give his team the lead.

Hemmings nodded wide an Austin cross on 62 minutes, but the Harriers #7 was on target himself just four minutes later, exchanging passes inside the area with Freemantle before firing into the net.

Harriers at this point were in full control and attacked almost at will, the third goal coming on 74 minutes as Hemmings’ superb charge forward was capped by a low, angled finish into the net.

Penn’s men did look for a fourth and both Foulkes and debutant Bajrami both had a bash at finding it but struck off target – the last big chance coming in added time at the end as Simpson smothered another Dale free-kick to keep his sheet clean.

Get the full line-up and facts at The Match Centre.

---

---