Cardea started with Anton Fountain in goal behind a back three of Michael Williams, Anthony Kiernan and Gav Earl. Adam Simons and Kynan Bereznyckyj played as wingbacks.

In the middle of the park were Shane Cooke, Aaron Yeoman and Daryl Patrick with Luke Penman and Matt Jarvis up front.

Cardea took the lead in the fifth minute. A through ball by Yeoman found Patrick in the area and the Cardea skipper took advantage of some poor defending to prod the ball past the keeper.

Patrick nearly added to his tally after 20 minutes. Bereznyckyj crossed a great ball into the box but Patrick volleyed the ball against the bar.

The lead was doubled in the 32nd minute and Yeoman was the architect again. The midfielder produced good footwork to go past two defenders and his cross into the box was put into his own net by the Artemis defender, under pressure from Bereznyckyj.

It was 3-0 soon after. Jarvis was fouled 30 yards out and Yeoman scored directly from the resulting free kick with the ball just eluding the keeper's dive.

Cardea produced more good chances before and after half time with Penman and Jarvis both having efforts saved.

The forth goal came 10 minutes after half time and it was a great team goal. Simons flicked the ball to Cooke who charged into the area and played a one two with Patrick, who backheeled the ball back into Cooke's path and the Cardea number 9 smashed the ball past the goalkeeper.

Tom Broughton made his long awaited return to Cardea action in the 68th minute when he came on as a substitute after missing most of the season through injury. Andrew James and Ashley Simons also came on.

Cardea had further chances to add to their tally with both Simons and Penman shooting off target and Yeoman hitting the bar direct from a corner but couldn't add to the four goals.

Artemis grabbed a consolation late in the game with a well taken goal but the three points were already in the bag for Cardea.

The win takes Cardea 6 points clear of both Premiair and AFC Allbright having played one more game than their rivals.

After the game manager Kev Webster said: "I thought we played sloppy at times but over all controlled the game. Scored goals at the right time to ease pressure. It was a tough pitch to play on. We need to find a bit more form going into the Farcet game but I know you will all step up to that game. Cup game next week so let's make it to a semi final."

Next up for Cardea FC is McCain Cup action against Halcyon at Bushfield.