Goals from Matt Rhead and Jordan Smith ensured that Corby Town returned from their lengthy trip to Wales with a 2-0 win against Colwyn Bay and their sixth win of the season.

Just two points in the Blue Square Bet North table separated the sides at the start of the match and they produced the close-fought contest that the standings predicted. Each outfit took it in turns to dominate proceedings throughout the first half, but neither side could take advantage of the chances presented.

Gareth Evans hit the side-netting just minutes into the game for the home side, with a snapped shot from outside the six-yard box. Steelmen striker Nick Rogan went even closer for the visitors ten minutes later when his headed attempt was cleared off the line by Bay captain Daniel Meadowcroft.

Corby’s injury woes continued to plight them mid-way through the first half, when defender Paul Malone had to be substituted due to the reoccurrence of a groin problem.

Bay striker Rob Hopley should have rubbed salt into the wound towards the end of the first half after he found himself clear through on goal. Despite controlling the ball well he could only spoon the resulting shot above Chris Mackenzie’s crossbar.

An Andy Hall chance was to follow for the visitors, after a clever back-heel from Matt Rhead on the edge of the Bay area handed the midfielder a shot on goal, but his shot was well saved.

The Steelmen finished the first half with gusto, as a succession of three corners on the stroke of half-time ensured they kept Bay ‘keeper Sanna on his toes.

Starting the second forty-five as they had ended the first, Corby continued their onslaught towards the home goal. James Ozmen fired wide from the edge of the area whilst Rhead spurned a free header at the back post.

But the Steelmen finally made their dominance count as they grabbed the opening goal on 68 minutes. Tom Land’s shot was handled in the box by Bay defender Matthew Hughes and Matt Rhead slotted home the resulting penalty.

The home side almost drew level straight from the restart, but Mike Lea’s powerful shot cannoned off the left-hand post and bounced clear.

Jordan Smith made no such mistake three minutes later when he doubled Corby’s advantage after nodding home a Rhead flick-on from close range. The home side looked stunned by the Steelmen’s second of the match and rarely troubled Chris Mackenzie for the remainder.

By Kelly Cornwell

Colwyn Bay: Sanna; Denson, Meadowcroft, Hughes; Davey, Barnes, McDonald, Evans, Lea; Hopley, Rouse (sub Noon, 74 mins). Subs not used: Lloyd, King, McKenna, Allen.

Corby Town: Mackenzie; Gordon, Gulliver, Malone (sub Land, 35 mins), Mayo; Hall (sub Spruce, 86 mins), Ozmen, Towers, Smith; Rhead, Rogan (sub Fox, 63 mins). Subs not used: Ives, Dossou.

Referee: Peter Wright.

Goals: Rhead pen (68), Smith (73).