Great Wakering Rovers sealed three hard earned points as they put four past West Essex on Saturday afternoon.

Max Gnandi and Bradley Bennett gave the Rovers an early lead before Reece Simpson got a goal back for the visitors before the break.

However, Alfie Whiteaker restored the Rovers lead with a fine finish early into the second half before Ben Search added a fourth on the hour mark to seal the win.

Rovers came into the fixture in good form, having earned four points in their last two games. West Essex meanwhile were second from bottom and two points from safety and have recently had a change of managers with Trevor Grace taking the reigns.

Rovers made six changes following Tuesday’s draw against Barking. Goalkeeper William Eastwood had joined on loan from Chelmsford City with Alfie Whiteaker, Harry Talbot, Mitchell Arthur, Ben Search and Max Gnandi who all started.

Kickoff:

The match burst into life from the thirst whistle as both teams played entertaining football.

The visitors had the first chance of the match inside ten minutes.

Reece Simpson received the ball on the right and played the ball through into the box for Oliseh Okuguni to run onto and he forced a good save from Billy Eastwood at his near post to palm the ball away.

Rovers were looking good however and they broke the deadlock lock just after twenty minutes.

Harry Talbot regained possession of the ball following a goal kick in midfield and played a one-two with Max Gnandi before he fed the ball through to run on. He got to the byline before skipping past his defenders and and crossed the ball into the six yard box for Gnandi to head the ball in for the opening goal.

Rovers had the tails up and were looking threatening and they soon doubled their lead seven minutes later.

Alfie Whiteaker made a good pass up to Reece Conway and he got to the byline before cutting the ball across goal and Bradley Bennett timed his run to perfection as he buried the ball into the bottom corner to double the hosts advantage.

Despite the good pressure, Rovers took their foot off the gas and the visitors managed to grab a goal back against the run of play.

A poor clearance went straight to Harry Norman and he played the ball through into behind the defence and Reece Simpson lost his marker before running in behind and smashed the ball into the bottom corner.

Rovers somewhat lost composure for a while as they were looking to be dragged into a dogfight. However, they soon regained composure and saw out the half and went into the break with the lead.

Halftime: Rovers 2-1 West Essex

Rovers were soon on top again as they came out into the second half. Inside the first five minutes, Max Gnandi was played down the left before crossing the ball into to Ben Search who saw his shot just wide of the left post but business soon resumed as they added a third.

Bradley Bennett drove the ball forward through the midfield before playing the ball out wide to Harry Talbot. He then played the ball back to Bennett who delivered a first time cross which was partially headed away straight to Alfie Whiteaker who composed himself before arrowing his shot into the top corner.

Rovers were looking more comfortable and were playing some really slick flowing football.

Just before the hour mark, Rovers added their fourth.

Harry Talbot received the ball in the attacking third and dribbled past several defenders before playing the ball through and Bradley Bennett ran in behind to pass the ball back across goal to an unmarked Ben Search who passed the ball into the bottom corner for a three goal advantage.

Rovers looked relaxed and maintained possession for much of the game as they reduced their opponents to very little chances.

Fulltime: Rovers 4-1 West Essex

A good performance from the Rovers to round off November who are currently unbeaten in four. They now sit eighth, one point outside the playoffs.

They now turn their focus to cup action on Tuesday as they make the short trip to Hullbridge Sports for the second round of the Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy.