The visitors exhibited tactical discipline, pressing intensity and ruthless finishing — two debutants, Joshua Wiles and Trey West, made their full-debuts and contributed significantly.

The opening goal came in the 9th minute. A cross into the box struck a defender’s raised arm, the referee awarded a penalty and Rob Ames calmly converted, sending the keeper the wrong way. The goal settled the visitors, though Elsea responded with some probing attacks, forcing a handful of interventions from Michael Williams and Zion Sengulay.

Despite several half‐chances, neither side added further goals before the break. Stanground carried a narrow 1-0 lead into the interval.

HT: Elsea Park Eagles 0-1 Stanground Cardea Sports FC

Within minutes of the restart, the game shifted decisively. Manager Seb Britton sent on substitute Ellis Mastin, and his impact was immediate. Having come on, he robbed a defender with his first touch and smashed home with his second to make it 2-0 in the 46th minute.

Elsea Park refused to give in, pulling a goal back in the 68th minute via a well-worked move and a composed finish. The score stood at 2-1 and looked set for a tight finish — but Stanground Cardea turned the screw.

What followed was a breathtaking spell of attacking football from the visitors, who struck three times in the space of just seven minutes to put the contest firmly out of Elsea Park’s reach.

In the 74th minute, another handball inside the area handed Stanground a second penalty of the afternoon. Forward Josh Staggs stepped up confidently and dispatched his effort into the corner to restore the two-goal cushion at 3–1.

Barely five minutes later, Trey West demonstrated his vision and composure in midfield, threading a perfectly weighted through-ball into Josh Staggs’ path. The striker met it first time with a crisp finish beyond the goalkeeper to make it 4–1 and claim his brace.

Stanground’s momentum was relentless, and just two minutes after that, Ryley Nicholson-Barfoot powered down the right flank before delivering a low cross into the six-yard box. Gianni Forcellati was alert to the opportunity, arriving to tap home and extend the lead to 5–1.

An ensuing defensive mix-up allowed Elsea a second in the closing stages, but Stanground Cardea finished the scoring in the 90th minute. Peter James launched a deep ball forward; Trey West nodded it on, ran on and finished past the keeper to make it 6-2.

HT: Elsea Park Eagles 2-6 Stanground Cardea Sports FC

Three more points to keep the 100% league start going and remain top of the league.

Next up is a home game vs Oakham Reserves at Stanground Sports Centre next Saturday.