SSML Premier Division Colney Heath 3 St Margaretsbury 0 COLNEY Heath returned to the top of the Premier Division after netting three second half goals to see off a stubborn St Margaretsbury side on Tuesday night. The Magpies looked slightly out of sorts i

SSML Premier Division

Colney Heath 3

St Margaretsbury 0

COLNEY Heath returned to the top of the Premier Division after netting three second half goals to see off a stubborn St Margaretsbury side on Tuesday night.

The Magpies looked slightly out of sorts in front of goal in the first half as they struggled to test visiting goalkeeper James Sturgeon.

It was a different story after the break though with former St Margaretsbury man Kevin Ashwood, pictured, volleying home Alex Olcot's excellent cross just five minutes into the second half.

A spell of four consecutive corners from Heath ended when they were awarded a free kick 15 yards out on the left hand side of the area. Up stepped the diminutive Olcot who, despite the acute angle, arrowed the ball into the top corner of the net.

Despite their dominance in the second half, the Magpies had goalkeeper Tom Blackman to thank for a string of fine saves that ensured another clean sheet.

The Magpies management duo of Scott Lacey and Wes Awad introduced new signing Lee Newman and the striker instantly impressed with a series of neat touches and clever runs.

Good work down the left by Newman created an opening for fellow sub Dan Jones but his lofted shot came back off the top of the crossbar.

Heath weren't to be denied a third though as Blackman's goalkick was flicked on by Jon Donoghue and Newman latched onto it and lifted the ball over Sturgeon and into the net from 30-yards out.

Boss Lacey was delighted his side didn't give up after a frustrating first 45 minutes.

"They came with a game plan to defend and frustrate us and, to be fair, it worked. We said at half time to keep banging on the door and eventually it will open and the goals will come."

The Magpies manager also had praise for two of his goalscorers.

"Alex (Olcot) came in due to injuries and has really stepped up to the play. He has an excellent left foot and has dropped down from St Albans in order to get games. His goal was from a couple of levels above," said Lacey.

"Lee Newman rocketed in a 30-yard pearler and there is now massive competition with Ian Cooper and Phil Jackman."

The defence recorded their second successive clean sheet thanks in part to impressive performances from goalkeeper Blackman and debutant James Dillnutt.

"Tom has been brilliant since he's come back in to the team and it was a massive debut from James Dillnutt at centre half. It's testimony to the way the club is run and handled and shows the professionalism that players of his standard want to come down here.