After three disappointing defeats without scoring the Lilywhites bounced back to their form of the previous three games with an emphatic five-goal victory at Redbridge FC, the home of Newbury Forest.

The hosts came into the game in good form having scored 20 goals in their previous six games, which included wins over league leaders Dunmow Town and title-chasing Harlow Town. The confidence that they had gained from this run was evident in the opening exchanges and, in the 15th minute, they came close to taking the lead with a break up the centre. Liam Nugent advanced from his goal to meet the opponent and did well to get a hand on his attempted lob. It wasn’t enough to stop what appeared to be a certain goal but it was enough to allow Jack Gibbs to get back and clear off the line.

This escape was just the boost that the Lilywhites needed and from this point onwards that took the upper hand and played some delightful football. And it was one such period of link-up play that made for a pass from Callum Bennison to set Connor Bolton free to clinically finish a one-on-one with the keeper to give the Lilywhites a 35th minute lead.

An almost identical move on the brink of the half-time break gave Connor Bolton another one-on-one opportunity but this time his effort struck the post and rebounded to safety.

The Lilywhites were good value for their half-time lead but and period of pressure from the hosts generated a number of free-kicks within shooting range and it was from one of these on the hour mark that brought an equaliser; the ball being rifled into the top corner from 25 yards, giving Liam Nugent no chance of a save.

The hosts were now on top and only a smart save from Liam Nugent prevented them from taking a 66th minute lead following a break through the inside-right channel.

That was it for the Forest because the Lilywhites sprung back into life and for the remainder of the game, they tore the hosts’ defence apart with some incisive attacks.

In the 70th minute Connor Bolton broke up the left wing and crossed to beyond the far post where Toby Prentice slammed the ball home to give the Lilywhites the vital second goal.

Nine minutes later, Connor Bolton was through on goal again and, as he had done in the first half, he struck the post. This time, however, he gathered the rebound, turned inside a defender and, from the right-hand side of the box, drove the ball into the far top corner of the goal to double his own personal tally and give the Lilywhites a 3-1 advantage.

The Lilywhites were by now well on top and in the final five minutes of normal time that added a fourth and fifth goal. Firstly, George Smith headed home Connor Bolton’s corner from the left and then Jamie Pitt slammed the ball home from the inside-right position following a clever break from Bailey Eden and another cross from Connor Bolton.

Man-of-the Match: Connor Bolton.

Team: Liam Nugent, Sid Barker, Hadley Richards, Jack Gibbs, Kardan Campbell, Sam Cross, Tobie Prentice (Bailey Eden 70’), George Smith, Callum Bennison (Kofi Agyemang 90’), Ben Clarke (Jamie Pitt 78’) & Connor Bolton.

Unused subs: Chris Webb, George Rankin & Oliver Terrell.