This was a five-star performance from AFC Sudbury particularly in the first half where three goals set the foundation for victory against a very capable Staines Town side.

Following their midweek success against high-riding Dulwich Hamlet, the visitors started with panache and took early control and fully tested the home defence but the excellence of keeper Marcus Garnham thwarted the fast raiding visitors.

Garnham needed to react as early as the second minute when Max Worsfold’s, cross was back heeled by Mohammed Bettamer but the keeper was well placed to save.

Worsfold then cut in from the left and pulled the ball back to Adrian Clifton whose attempt went straight to Garnham.

The visitors continued with their dominance and on 11 minutes should have gone ahead when Brandon Adams found space in the box and powerfully struck his shot but Garnham made a brilliant save to deny the QPR loanee and then Worsfold drove across the keeper beyond the far post.

It took time for the home side to settle but against the run of play went ahead on 18 minutes.

It was a bizarre opener in that Sam Bantick’ corner was poorly hit but Staines struggled to defend and the partial clearance was firmly struck home through a crowded goalmouth by James Baker giving Jack Turner no chance.

The home side then had decent spell and extended their lead on the half hour with a fine second. Jack Wilkinson from the deep left sent a cross into the box and Bantick rose majestically above defenders to head home.

Football was being played to a high standard by both sides in front of an appreciative crowd and Worsfold, Adams and Bettamer were a constant threat for Staines while Bantick, Baker and Rob Eagle were a handful for the visiting defence.

Sudbury made it three in the 42nd minute with a goal of quality.

Dylan Williams, on loan from Cambridge United and making his third start, picked up the ball on the wide left where there appeared no danger but running with the ball he dribbled past three defenders and moved menacingly into the box before he rifled a well placed low shot past the bewildered Turner.

Staines manager Johnson Hippolyte clearly had words with his side during the interval and immediately brought on Chinua Cole.

There were a number of yellow cards as both sides showed their competitiveness and Baker fired narrowly wide while at the other end the skilful Worsfold crossed but Adrian Clifton headed just wide.

The visitors reduced the arrears in the 57th minute. It emanated from a fine build up involving substitute Cole and Kyran Wiltshire and culminated with Worsfold slotting home from six yards.

Sudbury almost made it four when substitute Jordon Blackwell had a shot saved by Turner’s outstretched foot whilst at the other end Adam Tann produced the finest of tackles to deny Bettamer to ensure a fine win for Jamie Godbold’s side and one of the best displays seen at the Wardale Williams Stadium this season.