FULTON – Goals from Luan Balestieri and Austin Rowell in the 30th and 72nd minutes lifted host Itawamba to a 2-0 victory on Friday in north division action. 

Northwest dropped to 1-5 overall and 0-2 in the north while Itawamba improved to 3-2 and 2-0 in division play.

The teams were evenly matched on the final stat sheet, with ICC owning a slight 13-11 shot advantage and both keepers finishing with six saves apiece. The match was very physical, with 22 combined fouls and four yellow cards.

Balestieri put ICC on the board in the 30th minute to break a scoreless tie, his first goal of the year.

Northwest's best chance at an equalizer came just six minutes later when Isvi Torres hit the crossbar and Darius Hetts' header attempt sailed just high.

A flurry of shots from the Rangers in the 54th and 55th minutes were saved by Preston Mattox to keep it a one-goal match before Rowell connected for ICC in the 72nd minute to make it a 2-0 final.

Northwest will look to get back on track Tuesday when they travel to Hinds for a 7 p.m. kick.