The visitors flew out of the traps, establishing a three goal lead within the first 25 minutes. With 14 minutes gone, Dale Binns' excellent cross from the left was bundled into his own net under pressure by Stortford captain Danny Lunan, and three minutes later the lead was doubled, when Groves pounced from close range after home 'keeper Andrew Young could only parry Paul Booth's snap shot.

One of many lightning fast counter attacks then led to Binns setting up Andy Drury for a third on 23 minutes. After the interval Booth's tremendous run and unselfish play set up Groves for a fourth, and although Blues substitute Jack Midson reduced the arrears, Groves completed his hat trick with twelve minutes remaining after more good work by Booth.

The victory was comprehensive enough as it was, but when one bears in mind that both Binns and Drury had shots cleared off the line, and Groves hit the post as well as being denied on two other occasions by fine saves by Young, only then does it start to become clear just how good this performance was against a side sitting fourth in the table at the start of the evening.

Lewes: Williams, Conroy, Barness, Robinson, Legge, Binns, Davis (Kennett 81), Holloway, Drury, Booth (Hamilton 81), Groves (Simpemba 89).