Badshot Lea manager Gavin Smith was pleased to see his side return to winning ways in style with a comprehensive 4-0 victory at home to Northwood in the Isthmian League South Central Division on Saturday.

After a goalless first half, the Baggies took the lead in the 47th minute when Kane Fitzgerald’s cross was touched home by Tane Caubo.

The hosts doubled their advantage 12 minutes later when Josh Keeya squared the ball for Caubo to sweep home his second of the afternoon.

Lamin Ceesay made it 3-0 with a fine run and shot, and Kareem Akinnibi completed the scoring in stoppage time when he headed home.

“We started the game well for the first 15 to 20 minutes,” said Smith.

“Northwood then had a spell for ten to 15 minutes – we got a bit sloppy and I wasn’t happy at half-time. We came out for the second half and got the early goal – which helped massively. Tane claims he got a touch, and if I was him I would be claiming it too.

“I was pleased for Tane to get his two goals. You know what you’re getting to get from Tane – he’s reliable. He does a lot of tracking back and covering and doesn’t always get the goals he deserves.

“Lamin was a real threat and looked somewhere near to his best again. He was out for a while with his injury and since he came back he’s looked okay without quite hitting the same heights – but on Saturday he had the beating of his man and was right at it.

“Kareem is hitting good form as well, which is another positive.

“Hopefully now we can take the momentum from Saturday and go on a run. We’ve got a target in mind of where we want to be.”

Saturday’s win followed a penalty shoot-out exit in the Surrey Senior Cup at Metropolitan Police last Thursday night (March 14).

Akinnibi gave the Baggies an early lead with a smart finish, but the tie finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and the visitors lost 4-3 on penalties.

The Baggies face more Thursday night football this week with a trip to Ashford Town in the Isthmian League South Central Division, before travelling to bottom side Corinthian Casuals in the league on Saturday.

With regular Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday football in the next couple of weeks, Smith admits he will need to manage his squad carefully.

“It does take quite a bit of planning,” said Smith. “As much as the players want to play every game and think they can, I have to manage the minutes and rotate players for certain games.”

Smith has added to his squad for the busy run-in, and is pleased with how his squad is looking.

“We’ve brought in Salhin Abubakar – who I know from Bracknell,” said Smith.

“He’s played Step 3 football and gives us another option out wide. We’ve also got young Josh Theobald in. Hopefully we can keep everyone fit.”