Leo Fortune-West recorded a hat-trick against Farsley Celtic and went to the top of the BSP goalscoring charts in the process, but the 36-year-old once again promised that there is more to come from him.

Left out of Rushden & Diamonds' pre-season preparations and joining United just two days before the start of the season, Fortune-West is short of match practice and for the second game he was visibly frustrated with aspects of his play, despite scoring in both matches.

"I'm pleased with the hat-trick but the result means more," he said afterwards.

"We had a good start with the early goal, which put us on the front foot and I could have had more goals myself but due to the lack of a pre-season I'm still a bit rusty, but that will come.

"It's good to be top of the league," he added, "but we know we are not performing to our fullest and there's a lot more to come. We weren't happy with our performance tonight and it's a good thing that when you've won 5-1 and can still be critical our your performance after the game. It shows a good team spirit, which is something essential in a successful side."

The big striker concluded, "The virus that's swept through the squad was partly responsible for the display in the second half but we'll rest tomorrow and be back on Thursday to work hard in the build-up to two big games over the weekend."

Midfielder Rob Wolleaston had mixed fortunes in the game, opening the scoring after a mazy run in only the second minute but putting Farsley's second half goal in a plate with a poor backpass, echoed Fortune-West's sentiments.

"It's always nice to get a goal but more important was the three points for the team. Their defence opened up in front of me and I saw the chance and let fly. It took a bit of a deflection but I've told the lads it was going in anyway - I think they believe me!

"To be honest the result was the important thing. It's been a long time for this club to be sitting at the top of a league and although we know it's early in the season we'll do everything we can to stay at the top."

The 27-year-old added, "I thought the first half was a decent team performance and the scoreline reflected that. The second half was a disappointment but, as you know with the illness bug that has gone through the squad, the lads were extremely tired out there.

"We know we can improve on that performance, but it's still great to come away with a good win."

United's next match is at Woking on Saturday (3pm), followed by a home game against Ebbsfleet United (formerly Gravesend & Northfleet) on Monday at 3pm.

[Match report] [Fixture list] [League table]

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