Brian Little's tactic of playing Ryan Kendall as a lone striker paid off as Gainsborough Trinity won 3-1 at Blyth Spartans in Blue Square Bet North.

On-loan Kendall struck in the 39th and 67th minutes and set up Lewis McMahon for Trinity's second on 55 minutes.

Paul Brayson scored a late consolation for the home side.

Boss Little told BBC Lincolnshire: "To score three goals in a system which some might feel is negative proves if you do things right it can work."

Kendall played as a lone striker in front of a five-man midfield which also included fellow Mansfield loanee Ryan Williams.

The victory was Trinity's first since the opening day of the season and lifted them off the foot of the table to 19th place.

Little added: "It's a massive win for us. We've been in that position at half-time on several occasions this season, 1-0 up and playing well before falling apart in the second half, but we managed to step it up and won comfortably in the end."

Boston United closed to within a point of Blue Square Bet North leaders Alfreton with a 3-0 victory at Hyde, who replace Trinity at the foot of the table.

Marc Newsham, Spencer Weir-Daley and Danny Sleath scored the goals as the Pilgrims maintained their unbeaten away record in the division.

In the FA Cup third qualifying round Ben Good's second-half equaliser earned Lincoln Moorlands Railway a 1-1 draw at home to Mossley, with a tie at home to Blue Square Bet Premier side Darlington awaiting the winners of Tuesday's replay.

In the Evo-Stik First Division South, Grantham Town lost 3-0 at home to Sutton Coldfield Town while Lincoln United were beaten 1-0 by Rushall Olympic at Ashby Avenue.

Lee Beeson and Stuart King scored for Stamford in their 2-2 draw with Glapwell and Spalding United went down 4-0 at Carlton Town.

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