Matt Groves struck a hat-trick as Lewes returned to the top of the Conference south table with a stunning 5-1 victory at high flying Bishop's Stortford.

The visitors were 3-0 up by the midway point of the first half, with Danny Lunan diverting a Dale Binns cross into his own net before Groves and Andy Drury virtually sealed the three points as the home side were torn apart almost at will by swift counter-attacking football.

After the break it was more of the same, with Groves tapping in from close range after excellent unselfish play by strike partner Paul Booth.

Stortford substitute Jack Midson reduced the arrears but Groves and Booth combined again with equally deadly effect to restore the four-goal advantage.

The Rooks created enough chances to have made it into double figures over the 90 minutes with Binns and Drury both denied by goal line clearance and Groves hitting the post before forcing two fine saves at full stretch by Blues keeper Andrew Young.

Bishop's Stortford: Young, Patten, Mark Wright, Edwards, Lunan, Stanbrook, Langer, Williamson, Pearson, Essandoh, Deen. Unused subs: Midson, Martin, Taylor, Mason, Welch.

Lewes: Williams, Conroy, Barness, Davis, Robinson, Legge, Drury, Holloway, Groves, Booth, Binns. Unused subs: Simpemba, Duncan, Hamilton, Kennett, Wormull.

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