Runaway leaders Thame United were made to roll up their sleeves before running out winners at Romford in Ryman League Division 1 on Saturday.
Mark West was again to the fore with another two goals to take his tally in the league this season to 20 as Thame stayed ten points clear at the top.
Thame went ahead in the fifth minute. Chris Fontaine and Justin Meritt combined to find Justin Lee, whose pinpoint cross gave Jefferson Louis the chance to score from close range.
Romford equalised in the 16th minute when Jamie Dormer crossed for Aggery Obiero to score with a fine diving header.
Once again, Thame were quick to reply and went back in front two minutes later.
Another Lee cross was deflected by Nando Perna into the path of the prolific West who scored with a volley from eight yards. Sloppy defending in the 35th minute let Romford back into the game when Tony Leary found space to cross and Ian Renshaw slid the ball past the stranded Ian Moores.
After the break, West was denied by a goal-line clearance, but turned provider in the 66th minute.
His superb ball into Fontaine's run sent the midfielder clear and he kept his cool to slide the ball under the advancing keeper Jason White.
And West put the result beyond doubt in the 82nd minute, coolly slotting home his second.
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