Long Eaton United produced their best display in what has so far been a disappointing campaign to record our first away points of the season, with a result which may re-ignite our faltering season.

Alex Marshall was the main protagonist, after hitting a hat-trick inside the first 30 minutes, as we raced into a 2 goal lead with barely 3 minutes on the clock. Boldmere, who had previously only conceded 4 home goals all season, piled on the pressure in the second half, but The Blues defence, marshalled by the excellent Gianluca Bucci, were more than a match, and we held on for 3 vital points.

Long Eaton made an electric start to the game, netting the opener after just 91 seconds! Good link-up play between Coe-Flynn and James Taylor down the right hand-side stretched the hosts, and Taylor's excellent delivery was laid on a plate for Alex Marshall, who at the second attempt, bundled the ball home.

If that wasnt enough for The Blues, straight from kick-off, Bucci intercepted a long ball forward, and his pass found Marshall, who volleyed superbly over the keeper and into the back of the net from just outside the area.

An extraordinary start to the game seeing Long Eaton 2 goals up after 161 seconds!

Boldmere set to work to get back into the game, and had a good chance on 9 minutes, Doyle blazing over from close range, when well set.

This would be a warning for Long Eaton that the game had a long way to go yet, and just 4 minutes later, The Mikes were back in the game, a through ball just managed to beat the offside trap and Doyle calmly took it around Wilson to fire home to make it 2-1.

Jayden Chambers then had an effort go just beyond the far post, with the keeper stranded as The Blues looked to regain the initiative.

Jack Lynch then had a chance for Boldmere on 23 minutes, but failed to hit the target, and this would prove costly, as Long Eaton extended their lead on 27 minutes.

A great, flowing move from back-to-front, with Bucci finding Finney, who in turn passed nicely to Coe-Flynn, who spotted Zoko inside the area, who then laid it off to Marshall to complete a superb hat-trick. A great team goal restored The Blues 2 goal margin.

With their tales up, and confidence flowing, Long Eaton then played some outstanding football, and should have added more before the break, Finney volleyed straight at the keeper from around the penalty spot, Taylor hit straight at the keeper when through on goal, and Marshal, for once failed to finish with only the keeper to beat.

5 minutes before the break, Long Eaton had further chances, firstly from debutant Hawkridge's excellent dead-ball delivery, Marshall rose highest, and his header, on target , was blocked by a defender, then after we regained possession, Marshall then directed a header just wide with the keeper at full stretch.

The Blues were full value for their 3-1 lead at the interval, and wit the quality of chances in the final 10 minutes of the half, they should have had more.

Boldmere, who were previously unbeaten at home in the league, and had only conceded 4 goals in 7 games, needed a big response in the second half, and whilst they were generally camped in our half, Long Eaton managed the game exceptionally well.

Even the introduction of former Blues Atwal and Davidson-Miller failed to turn their fortunes.

The excellent Marshall was replaced on 64 minutes, a change which switched Zoko into the centre-forward position. And the former Notts County man had opportunities to extend our lead further, as we looked to hit The Mikes on the break.

It would only be in the closing stages that Sam Wilson was called into anything other than routine action, and we were thankful to Coe-Flynn who blocked a shot on the line with 3 minutes remaining, which would have set-up a grandstand finish.

After holding out for the 4 minutes of added on time, the relief of a first Blues win for our new management team was for all to see, as the players gathered together to thank those travelling Blues after the final result.

An outstanding result on top of a brilliant display, built around positive play, but not forgetting our hard-work throughout the pitch.

BOLDMERE 1 LONG EATON UNITED 3!

LINE-UP: Wilson - Coe-Flynn, Simmons, Matthews, Bucci (C) - Hawkridge, Taylor, Zoko, Chambers - Finney - Marshall (Sulkowski 63).
SUBS NOT USED: Szczesny Clark, Murfin, Hutchinson
BOOKINGS: 32 Bucci (foul), 74 Sulkowski (foul)
GOALS: 2' Marshall (assisted by Taylor), 3' Marshall, 26' Marshall (assisted by Zoko)
ATTENDANCE: 104