MATTY Robinson marked his return from a lengthy lay-off with an influential performance for Prudhoe YC Seniors on Saturday.

The midfielder assisted the first goal and scored the second in a 5-1 rout of Bedlington FC, which saw Prudhoe tighten their grip on sixth place in the Northern Alliance Division One.

After a couple of recent substitute appearances, this was Robinson’s first start since recovering from a broken ankle, which kept him on the sidelines for almost nine months.

And it didn’t take him long to make an impact, setting up David Burns’ equaliser in the 23rd minute.

Then on 40 minutes, he found the top corner with a trademark powerful drive from 20 yards.

Robinson’s impact gave Prudhoe a solid foundation on which to build, and Burns went on to score his second, and Prudhoe’s third, shortly before half time.

In the second period, Ben Bloomer finished off an impressive team move to make it 4-1, before man of the match Burns completed his hat-trick. The match was a welcome return to winning ways for Prudhoe.

Prudhoe YC Seniors’ secretary Duncan Graham said: “We’re over the moon to have Matty back, and it was great to see him score one of his trademark goals.

“He was excellent and played a big part in what was a great win for us.

“Everyone at the club is just pleased to see him back on the pitch again enjoying his football.

“All the lads played their part. It was a clinical hat-trick from David Burns and as a team we produced some high quality football.”

Despite the previous week’s 3-1 defeat at Forest Hall, the Seniors have been in free-scoring form in recent weeks.

Graham added: “We had disappointment away to Forest Hall, but I’m delighted with the way we responded.

“We’re still in three cup competitions, and have two quarter-finals and a semi-final coming up.

“There is plenty to look forward to in the New Year but we have to keep focused and continue our good form.”

Prudhoe are next in action at home to Blyth Town, in the Reeves Independent George Dobbins League Cup, on Saturday, January 5.

They host Winlaton Vulcans a week later.