Cardea FC (3-5-2): Gav Sampson; Adam Simons, Stuart Yaxley (c), Michael Williams, Dale Moore, Anthony Kiernan; Shane Cooke, Gav Earl, Aaron Yeoman; John Reddell, Luke Penman. Subs: Ryan Moore, Michael Creek.

Despite creating the majority of the chances Cardea did not have a great first half and went behind inside 10 minutes. The Thorpewood midfielder took the ball into the Cardea half and found the striker who took advantage of static defending to finish past Sampson.

Minutes after the goal Simons went into the book for a cynical challenge to stop a Thorpewood counter attack.

Midway through the half the day got worse for Cardea as defender Michael Williams took a boot to the face as he defended a dangerous free kick. Williams had to leave the action and have 6 stitches to his lip in hospital. Ryan Moore came on to replace him.

Cardea had a couple of half chances but only tested the keeper as the game entered first half stoppage time when a Penman effort was tipped onto the bar.

The second half was much better and Cardea levelled soon after the restart. Yeoman played the ball into the box to Penman who found Cooke and the Cardea number 9 found the bottom corner from just inside the area.

Thorpewood won a penalty on the half hour mark with Ryan Moore alleged to have handled in the area, it looked a harsh decision but the striker made no mistake converting the penalty to restore the home team's lead.

Michael Creek came on up front to replace the injured Earl.

The lead lasted two minutes as Cardea hit straight back, Yaxley brought the ball out of defence and played to Simons on the right wing. His cross into the box was superb and Penman nodded in a equalise. A rare headed goal for the striker.

Cardea should have took the lead five minutes later. Cooke produced a fantastic run through the Thorpewood team but his ball across the box was hit over by Penman when it looked easier to score.

Penman made up for his miss with 15 minutes to go as Cardea took the lead. Again the goal came from Yaxley running the ball out of defence and distributing to Yeoman who found Penman in the area and he scored high into the net from a tight angle.

The icing was put on the Cardea cake inside the last ten minutes as Creek scored a forth. Penman played the ball to Creek in the area and he produced a great dink over the keeper to score his first of the season.

The game finished 4-2 and kept Cardea joint top of the league with AFC Allbright.

After the game manager Craig Robinson said: "Big test today against a good Thorpewood side, with easily the best striker in the league. Leaked two sloppy goals but we dug deep to come from behind twice and see the game out.

"Well done to Penman on the 2 goals. And an even bigger well done to creek for sealing the points.

"Enjoy the Christmas break and let's get back on it in January."

Manager Kev Webster added: "Today was a tough game against a strong side. We were unlucky to go behind twice but we didn't let that affect our game and did very well in scoring 4 second half goals.

"I thought Yax and the rest of the defence played very well, Yax was very vocal and did what you want from the captain. The whole team played very well and it's been a very good reaction since the Premiair defeat.

"We wish Willy a quick recovery, fair play for getting his head in the way. Would like to congratulate Creeky for his first official Cardea goal. Well done boys enjoy the break."

The league now takes a break until 10th January when Cardea are up against Diesel Power.