STANWAY ROVERS fired their way to an amazing 9-1 demolition of basement boys Woodbridge.

Angelo Harrop’s side had only won two Thurlow Nunn League premier division fixtures before Saturday’s goal glut at The Hawthorns.

But they showed no mercy against their lowly visitors, despite falling behind to a well-worked early opener.

Stanway responded with a goal from Chelmsford City loanee Joe Ward, after a through ball from Chris Ribchester, and then Kevin McLeod’s cross was nodded home by Mark Gaisford.

McLeod, on loan from Maldon & Tiptree, was also the architect of Rovers’ third, headed home by Adam Hampson, before Michael Brothers made it 4-1 inside 30 minutes.

Hampson grabbed his second, McLeod added his name to the score-sheet from Brothers’ pull-back and then Brothers notched another from a superb cross by Craig Hughes.

Brothers had a hand in Rovers’ eighth, when his cross forced an own goal, and then won and converted a penalty to complete Woodbridge’s woe.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT were also victorious, running out 3-1 winners at Walsham-le-Willows.

WIVENHOE TOWN lost 3-0 at home to Haverhill Rovers, while FC CLACTON put up a brave fight but lost 2-1 at home to title-chasing Gorleston.

BRANTHAM ATHLETIC lost 1-0 at Norwich United.

It was top-versus-second as HALSTEAD TOWN travelled to division one-pace-setters Whitton United.

Mark Benterman’s side were 2-1 up at half-time, thanks to two goals – the second a penalty – from Andy Joslin.

But the hosts levelled ten minutes from time to secure a share of the spoils.

BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES pipped Swaffham Town 3-2.

For full non-league coverage, including reaction, pictures, results and tables, see Monday’s Gazette.