Padiham 0 Spennymoor Town 2

Spennymoor got off to a perfect start in the EvoStik First Division North with a comfortable 2-0 away win at Padiham on Saturday.

It only took Moors about 15 minutes to adapt to their new surroundings on their first visit to Padiham, and they virtually had the game won by half time. They had to weather a Padiham rally in the second half, but they still won with plenty to spare and set them up nicely for tomorrow’s local derby with Darlington.

Manager Jason Ainsley, who played in this division 20 years ago when Moors were United, said; “I thought we played some really good football in the first half, and we deserved to go 2-0 up. We could have had another two or three more.

“Padiham had more of a go in the second half, but we still had some good chances. The players all rose to the occasion. The new players are used to playing at a higher level, while the old guard stepped up to the mark. From a defensive and offensive objective they all did what they needed to do.”

Skipper Lewis Dodds, who was handed the armband before kick off, said; “It was a tough game given the wind. I thought first half we played well and they couldn’t deal with our width. They were a physical and fit side which I think we will see a lot in the league this year.

“In the second half they changed their formation to stop our attacks from wide, so we ended up closing the back door and trying to keep the ball, which we did well. All in all I was pleased to get off to a winning start and happy with the way we played especially in the first half.”

New signing Joe Tait, who was the man of the match choice of many fans, was just off target and Liam Henderson also went close before Moors took the lead on 30 minutes when the tricky Mikey Roberts was brought down in the area, and Roberts comfortably scored from the spot.

It was 2-0 nine minutes later when John McReady collected a clearance on the halfway line and sent a perfect through pass into the path of Liam Henderson who slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Moors had some good chances in the second half to increase their lead. Dodds crossed for Roberts to head into the side netting, McReady danced his way through and had an effort deflected wide, and defender Paul Johnson headed just over the bar.

Spennymoor: Hayes, Groves, Tait, Dodds, P Johnson, Capper, McReady (sub Stephenson), Graydon, Henderson (sub Taylor), Roberts, Peacock.

Subs: McAndrew, Mason, Lynch.

Padiham: Davis, Balazs, Bradley, Haynes, Murphy, Craig, Bromley, Morrison, . Mayers, Jordan, Jenkins