Lincoln United kept pace in the title race as they beat Lincolnshire rivals Sleaford Town 6-0 at the Sun-hat Villas and Resorts Stadium.
A first 20 minutes rout put The Whites in a commanding position, before comfortably seeing out a massive three points.
Scott Hellewell made wholesale change to the side which disappointingly drew 1-1 to Belper United last time out, with five switches made. Harry Millard continued his resurgence, being handed a start in the centre of midfield.
The visitors travelled in mixed form, but with reasonable confidence having pulled themselves away from the relegation zone in recent weeks. Former Lincoln United assistant manager Matt Evans returned to Ashby Avenue for the first time since leaving last summer, this time as The Greens’ boss.
A sensational start:
The Whites though made a lightning start and within two minutes they were ahead. A slick passing move found Tristian Drummond in space on the right of the penalty area, his low driven effort was tapped home by the sliding Jack Varley to make it 1-0.
Josh Parker had Sleaford’s first sight of goal after ten minutes, a breakaway run saw him with a shot at goal from a tight angle. His mis-hit effort was comfortably held by Jack Steggles.
It was Lincoln who were well on top, and Jack McMenemy so nearly doubled their advantage after 16 minutes. The forward’s looping header was expertly tipped wide by the outstretched Harrison Leech.
Just two minutes later though, Leech went from hero to zero. Evan Payne struck a low speculative shot straight at the Sleaford number one from 25 yards. It seemed an easy save but a misjudged attempt to collect the ball saw him turn it into the bottom corner and make it 2-0.
In a breath-taking 20 minutes from the home side, it was very quickly three. Lincoln City loanee Gbolahan Okewoye drove with the ball down the right wing before unleashing a well hit shot past the keeper and into the far corner.
In total control:
The changes had clearly kicked Scott Hellewell’s team into gear for the Lincolnshire derby and it was almost game over before the half hour mark.
With 37 minutes on the clock Leech redeemed himself once more, with a brilliant triple save. He kept out three quick close range efforts from Dye, Millard and Okewoye to prevent what looked a certain Lincoln fourth.
The fourth did come, though, on the brink of half-time. Jack Varley got a deft connection on a left footed cross. The ball spun off his boot and just crossed the line to give Lincoln United an unassailable lead before the interval.
A comfortable three points:
It was a quiet start to the second-half, with both sides well in the knowledge the result was already a fore gone conclusion. The Whites controlled possession as heavy rain fell over Ashby Avenue.
United’s fifth goal eventually came on 66 minutes. Okewoye fired a cross low into the penalty area, Leech came out to clear but missed the ball and allowed Jack McMenemy to slide in and finish, even if somewhat fortuitously.
Kelly Fombad nearly got in on the act shortly afterwards, with a brilliant right footed curling effort which rebounded off the crossbar.
Steggles, who would have been desperate to hold onto his clean sheet, had to be called into action with 20 minutes to play. A flicked header from a corner meant he had to acrobatically tip over to keep it 5-0.
After a lull, in the closing stages substitute Paul Grimes added a sixth for the hosts. The experienced midfielder tapped in a rebound after Boyd’s effort was saved. A perfect ending to a perfect performance from United.
It’s a derby day win that means Lincoln United gain on second-placed Bourne Town as The Wakes dropped points to Kimberley Miners Welfare.
Hellewell’s side now have a two week break from league matches as they face Hinckley in cup action next weekend.