HARROGATE Town returned to form last night with a superb 3-0 win at Blyth Spartans in the UniBond League premier division.

Former York City striker James Turley got two goals, the first after Mike McNaughton had headed back a Colin Hunter cross and the second after latching onto a fine Scott Jackson through ball, skipping past a defender and chipping the onrushing goalkeeper.

Youngster James McDaid blasted home the third before half-time with a first-time 20-yarder into the top corner.

Simon Sturdy and Dave Merris shone in defence and midfield respectively, while Turley and Hunter took Blyth apart down the flanks.

Boss John Reed said: "We were absolutely fantastic; we battered them. It was an all-round fabulous performance and it says a lot that my goalkeeper did not have a shot to save."

Neighbours Harrogate Railway are in Northern Counties East League action again tonight, at home to lowly Hallam, where a victory for Rail' would be a help to Pickering Town in their battle to avoid the drop.

Updated: 11:48 Wednesday, March 05, 2003