HULLBRIDGE Sports came out on top in a 10-goal thriller at Baldock Town.

A Yemi Adelani hat-trick, along with goals from Ollie Sotoyinbo, Jamie Salmon and Tim Monsheju allowed Sports to record a 6-4 victory.

And, although Baldock levelled matters after finding themselves four goals behind, Hullbridge boss Darren Manning was pleased with the workout.

“It was a good day for us,” said Manning.

“We played very well and blew them away in the first half.

“I think we were comfortable and scored three very good goals.

“We then scored another goal straight after the break.

“The game turned when we made seven changes.

“As the boys were getting up to speed, Baldock took advantage and they scored four goals in a mad 10 minute spell.

“But as soon as the boys adapted, we scored two more goals and it was great to get a win on the road.”

Sports found themselves three goals to the good at the break, with Sotoyinbo in the thick of the action.

The midfielder claimed assists for both of Adelani’s first half efforts and also added his own name to the scoresheet.

Sotoyinbo then created the opportunity for Adelani to complete his hat-trick shortly after the interval.

Although Baldock fought back to draw level from an unlikely position, late goals from Salmon and Monsheju ensured Hullbridge would not be denied.

And Manning was pleased to see his side take advantage of the chances that came Sports' way.

“We were clinical and that was fantastic,” added Manning.

“Having won the Essex Senior League title last season, we know we need to be clinical and take more chances.

“We will be playing at a higher level this year and we know that we won’t be afforded as many opportunities.

“Because of that, we need to take the chances we create for ourselves and there’s nothing better than already doing that in pre-season.”

Although Baldock scored four second half goals, Manning insisted he was not worried by Hullbridge’s defending.

Manning admitted: “The boys didn’t get up to the tempo of the game and that is when the goals were conceded.

“There were a lot of trialists and players who were getting their first half an hour of pre-season coming on.

“We knew our performance levels would drop when they first came on as they tried to get up to speed and Baldock profited from that.

“I’m not worried about the goals that we conceded because, in a competitive game, we wouldn’t be making seven changes at once.”