HARRIERS made it three wins in a row after cruising to a 2-0 victory over Blyth Spartans at Aggborough.

With consecutive victories at Darlington and Chorley under their belt, it was a three points that never looked in doubt for Russ Penn's men, who secured it thanks to goals from Ashley Hemmings and Max Taylor.

Blyth rarely threatened a resolute home defence, but did hit the bar late on as they pushed to try and find a way back into the game.

Penn had kept faith with the same started eleven that had down Chorley last time out, and Sterling was the first on the day to create a chance as he saw an effort saved with just four on the clock.

A fast start from the home side got its rewards with the opening goal on 12 minutes; after Hemmings had seen a shot kept out at close range five minutes earlier, the team's top scorer mate it four for the term, tidying away a finish after great work again from Sterling.

Austin and Taylor then perhaps should have done better with efforts before Freemantle, through on goal with one of the last kicks of the half, stabbed the ball wide from around ten yards, The start to the second half was quieter than the first, although Harriers remained firmly in control, doubling their score as Sterling once again provided the ammunition, a deep free-kick met at the far post by Max Taylor who netted his first senior career goal from just a couple of yards out.

Sterling struck wide from a free-kick past the hour mark, before Hemmings had a headed effort ruled out for offside despite appearing to be in line with play.

Taylor might well have actually had a second more clear-cut goal on 68 minutes, but planted his header just over the bar.

Spartans' only serious chance for the afternoon game in the first minute of four added on at the end - a shot cannoning off the underside of the bar, the follow-up sent wide to almost sum up their afternoon.

"We managed to score at good times in the first half," said boss Penn after the final whistle.

"Overall I am just delighted with the points to be honest, and it's back to the drawing board on Monday."

Harriers: Simpson, Penny, Austin, Richards, Lowe, Taylor, Prosser, Montrose, Hemmings (Maxwell 81), Sterling (Arthur 88), Freemantle (Kellermann 58) Referee: David McNamara