free-scoring Bexhill go top

Certainly not their own manager Billy Trivett, who conceded that he just wanted to get back into contention after that worst possible start.

"I thought top four or five by Christmas and then we're in with a chance," said Trivett. "But to be top is a bonus.

"It was fantastic when we got the news through and it's really good for the confidence. The commitment and the work they've put in has been fantastic but we're only half way there. We've got a tough second part to the season and I think it will get harder now because you do become a target when you're top, everyone wants to beat you. But we've got enough character to cope with that and it's in our hands now."

And character is just one of the qualities they've shown in turning their season around by winning eight and drawing two of their last 10 league games. Attack-wise they've been awesome, netting 36 goals in that same period, including 16 in the last four outings.

Goalscoring has never been a problem and they're now starting to keep them out as well. The first half free kick they conceded on Saturday was the first time goalkeeper Mark Carey has been beaten in four games.

"I think as a team we feel a lot more comfortable defending," Trivett continued. "That's the pleasing thing. We realise that's it not just the defence's job to defend and we look a good, organised side. The last four games have been great."

Including Saturday's fixture when they really strolled to victory - their fourth out of four at the Polegrove in the league - over the division's bottom side "without really getting out of second gear".

Dave Carey brought United level five minutes before half time with his 14th league strike of the season and five minutes after half time Darren Witham chipped the ball over all the heads in a packed penalty box to hand United a lead they never looked like relinquishing.

Witham converted a 65th minute penalty after Carey was impeded and the "absolutely outstanding" McPherson & Partners man of the match Wes Tate added number four 10 minutes later.

Bexhill: M. Carey, Storrs, Anderson (Thompson), T. Funnell, Fletcher, Quinn, Witham, M. Funnell, Tate, D. Carey (Leigh), Matthews. Sub not used: Moyse.