The Magpies turned on the after-burner, after a scoreless first half, led by man of the match Jimmy Thompson and the irrepressible Ryan Clarke returning from a rib injury.

The win lifts Maitland to fourth on the NPL table with 27, five points behind competition leaders Edgeworth but with three games in hand.

A one-all draw for the Weston Bears against Newcastle Jets Youth leaves them second on 29 points, with Broadmeadow Magic third on 28 points after having the bye this weekend.

However, the Magpies hold two games in hand on Weston and they have one more game to play than Magic.

Magpies coach Mick Bolch said the performance in tricky winds was probably his side's best all-round half of football this season.

"I thought the first half was probably a bit scrappy as we struggled against the wind but we found our feet and shape in the second half and it was a great performance across the board," he said.

"The boys controlled the game and moved the ball really well."

Jimmy Thompson opened the scoring putting home his second goal in successive weeks after he calmly sidestepped the opposition defence in the 16-yard box and then found the back of the net past Archbold.

"We really could have scored five, their keeper Archy (Nathan Archbold) had a terrific game. You would not normally say of a 3-0 win but he was outstanding," Bolch said.

While not called into the action as often Maitland's shot stopper Matt Trott had a fine game, saving a penalty which would have squared the scores with 20 minutes to play.

"I think that was the turning point in the game," Bolch said. "If Trotty didn't pull off the save it would be one-all and game on."

Instead 10 minutes later Alex Reid, who came off the bench for striker Joel Wood sealed the game, trapping a superb Ryan Clarke cross and then waiting before chipping the ball over the keeper's diving body.

The third was a reminder of just how potent Matt Thompson's right foot still is in front of goal.

Shooting from 20 metres, Thompson launched into the shot and for once Archbold was caught flat footed.

Bolch said he was delighted with performances across the park.

"Clarkey was an X-factor again up in the front third," he said.

"Great work by Ready for the second goal after great lead up work by Clarkey.

"We're starting to get full strength back now. You look at the bench today, we had Matt Thompson, Alex Read, Tommy Duggan.

"I thought the balance of the side was a lot better today."

Bolch said Jimmy Thompson's hard work was now being rewarded in front of goal.

"We've told Jimmy we expect a goal a game now after last week and now this week," he said.

"Confidence is such a huge thing, he scored that goal last week and did really well for his goal today.

"There were a couple of lucky bounces back to him but he just wanted it and a composed finish as well.

"He has been in those position a couple of times this year but rushed it or blasted it into the keeper.

"He took his time to draw the keeper to one side and put it in the opposite corner it was a great finish."

Bolch said he was equally pleased with a clean sheet as the three goals.

"It was something we spoke about before the game," he said.

"Zach Thomas was brilliant again across the backline. Cowby (Nick Cowburn) was better with another run under his belt and Thommo (Matt Thompson) got 25-30 minutes at the end and scored a very good goal."