Whitby Town entered the Evo-Stik League premier division’s play-off places for the first time since August after taking their winning streak to five games.

The Blues beat Blyth Spartans 2-1 on Boxing Day – former Blyth striker Graeme Armstrong getting the winner with three minutes left – and then edged Matlock 1-0 on Saturday to complete a 100 per cent record for December.

Town travel to Frickley Athletic tomorrow (New Year’s Day) aiming to keep that run going before hosting leaders Skelmersdale on Saturday.

They came from behind against Blyth, after Spartans skipper Robbie Dale fired the visitors ahead on 22 minutes after being set up by Dan Maguire, who had escaped unmarked down the left.

Town went close when Lee Mason, another ex-Spartan, saw an effort deflected over, but they did level as Shane Henry ran onto Mason’s flicked-on right-wing corner and saw his deflected drive go in, claims for offside being waved away.

The livewire Mason slammed a free-kick inches wide, while Spartans came within inches of retaking the lead as a Dale cross was diverted onto the underside of his own crossbar by Richard Pell, another ex-Blyth player in the Blues’ ranks. Centre-back Pell soon exited injured.

Town sub Craig Farrell, another ex-Spartan, saw an effort headed off the line and fired over when well placed, but the hosts won it as Armstrong, the premier division’s second-highest goalscorer, found space in the box and stroked the ball home.

On Saturday, Darren Williams’ in-form men were made to fight all the way by Matlock.

Armstrong again decided matters, though, with a far-post header, from Mason’s right-wing corner midway through the first half, which was adjudged to have crossed the goalline before being cleared. It was his 19th goal of the season.

Whitby youngster Benn Sullivan, a late replacement for Armstrong, nearly sealed matters with a tremendous volley on the run, but it was superbly saved.

They clung on to the points, though, to rise to fifth.