Ilford racked up their fifth straight home win in all competitions with a 3-1 success against Waltham Forest in the Essex Senior League.

The Foxes went into the match still harbouring hopes of a top three finish, with several games in hand on those above them.

And within 10 minutes of kick-off, Allan Fenn’s men were a goal to the good when Karolis Atutis found the net.

A free-kick on the corner of the Forest box was headed home by Atutis to give Ilford the lead.

The Foxes should have doubled their advantage soon after, but Sipho Mtyanda could not keep his rebound on target from six yards after a Chris Lockwood header hit the post.

The Cricklefield outfit were the dominant team in the first half, with Carl Mullings and Luke Thomas also squandering good chances to score.

But just before half-time, Forest drew level against the run of play when Pelummy Martin to send the teams into the break locked at 1-1.

Ilford came out firing in the second half and went close to taking the lead again when Mtyanda forced a great save from Forest stopper Mohammed Ahmed.

The Forest keeper continued to thwart the Foxes, denying both Mtyanda and Glen Warwick, before the hosts were awarded a penalty.

Warwick stepped up tot take the spot kick and calmly converted from 12 yards, much to the delight of boss Fenn.

With time almost up, Ilford added a third when Mtyanda finally found a way past Ahmed to wrap up the win.

Victory lifts the Foxes to within 12 points of FC Romania in third, but with three games in hand over their rivals.

And with a match at home to struggling Burnham Ramblers on Saturday, Fenn will be confident Ilford can maintain their good form at Cricklefield.

Ilford: Clark, Valionis, Warwick, Matthews, Nkosi, McLeavy, Thomas, Lockwood, Mullings, Atutis, Mtyanda

Subs: Olutade, Hart, Stevens, West, Paulius

Ilford Recorder