Acle United produced their best performance of the season as they thrashed bottom side Reepham Town to send their supporters home in a buoyant mood.

Without five first team players, manager Robert Taylor brought in Lee Roper-Smith from the Reserves for his Premier Division debut and the way in which he led the line brought a different dimension to the attack.

United kicked off in confident mood, knowing that defeat would give them a lot to do to avoid relegation, but their push and run style evoked memories of the recent Sterry Cup winning sides as they dominated the match from start to finish.

Acke took the lead after 10 minutes when Brett Colclough took a free-kick 35 yards out and his shot nearly broke the net, with the keeper never moving.

Roper-Smith had two shots just wide and with Colclough’s long throws putting the Robins under pressure with every delivery, United looked in total control.

Dan Foreman was edging forward at every opportunity and when man-of-the-match Roper-Smith cleverly set up Cameron Hudson only a brilliant save prevented United from doubling their lead.

After the break there was a dramatic turn as Martin Nantowge galloped clear to equalise. Almost from the restart Roper-Smith beat his defender to cross for Jordan Crane to tap home, to put the As back in front.

Roper-Smith then pulled the ball back for Hudson to convert to double Acle’s lead and Hudson got his second when he put United 4-1 up midway through the half after turning in Wiley’s cross.

Taylor asked Blake Robinson and Josh Parry to join the party and the former converted from the edge of the box as United went nap.

There was still time for Colclough to hit the post and for the impressive Mickleburgh to have his shot cleared off the line. With Crane having his best game for the club and Garner and Clark influential throughout, this was a performance of yesteryear that if built on can give United the platform to avoid the dreaded drop.

Team: A Bean, C Wiley, S Garner, R Mickleburgh, D Foreman, T Clark, J Crane, B Colclough, L Roper-Smith, C Hudson, S Bobby. Subs both used: J Parry, B Robinson.

Acle entertain second-placed Norwich CEYMS tomorrow (2pm).