Brantham Boss Pip Boyland hailed his side's defensive discipline and team structure after an impressive performance at the Leisure Centre.

The sun even came out over a on the surprisingly good pitch given the recent weather and the Imps put on a show to match.

Skipper Alfie Owen-Jones, Kai Fletcher and Max Wilcox were on target as Brantham Athletic beat third-placed Dereham Town 3-1 in the Thurlow Nunn Premier.

"I can't fault that performance," purred Boyland. "Dereham are good side, They have been knocking goals in for fun and they are up there near the top for a reason.

"I'm pleased we scored the three goals but as defender it was about the structure and defensive discipline . We know goals will come by doing the right things but it is no good conceding five and then having to score six.

"We have been working on our defensive shape and that showed today.

"Dereham got the one, which was a good goal, but overall we defended solidly.

With legendary grandfather Brian Owen watching from the stand, centre-half Owen-Jones skippered the side and rose majestically to meet a pin-point Luke Hipkin corner and head in the opener.

Alfie Owen-Jones head and shoulders above the rest for the opener (Picture: Nub News)

Boyland was delighted to bring Owen.Jones back to Brantham after the 22-year-old had a spell with National League North club Braintree Town.

"He is a good age and has experience and he can pass that on and he has showed that in abundance today," said Boyland.

Brantham's determination to close down from the front paid off as Kyle Ferguson and Fletcher refused to allow the Dereham defence play out from the back. Fletcher pounced on a mistake and calmly found space, picked his spot and beat the keeper.

Goal, asssit and hit a post, Kai Fletcher (Picture: Nub News)

Former Needham Market and Leiston striker Fletcher was snapped up by long term admirer Boyland who praised his attributes.

"I'm a massive fan of Kai, said Boyland. "He is strong, quick, intelligent and is someone I have kept contact with. At this club we will never hold players back from stepping up to a higher level but just as important is that they learnt his trade and when Kai said there was a potential move of the cards I pounced."

The Imps looked for for their lead and could have been even further ahead by the break, hitting the woodwork through Fletcher and testing the keeper.

Sam Watts grabbed Dereham's only goal during a second half period where Brantham were forced onto the back foot, but in the main dealt with the pressure before Wilcox sealed the win with a sweet 25-yarder after galloping up from the right back position.

Max Wilcox netted the Imps' third (Picture: Nub News)

The win was all the sweeter after being beat by Dereham 2-0 at Aldiss Park at the beginning of the season with the Norfolk side enjoying a good start the the campaign and still sit third.

"This win shows how far we have come since that opening day. We have been knocked back twice now with losing players to the higher level so having the rebuild the group.

"It is like we are feeder club as we improve players and they are being taken by those bigger clubs around us, so it is hard."

Luke Hipkin provided an assist from a corner (Picture: Nub News)

After losing centre half Charlie Canham to an early ankle injury, Brantham utilised James Lee who usually plays up front, but came off the bench to do a good job filling in. and perhaps finding a new position.

Boyland "James is club captain and is great character and we are trying to find his best position..

"He can play in a number of position. He is aggressive, attacks the ball really well and he scored a lot of goals last season but now he has shown he is disciplined at the back as well."

Brantham now face three away game son the bounce with Cornered United in the League Cup on Tuesday, then at league leaders Newmarket on Saturday and Kirkley & Pakefield the following Saturday before returning the Leisure Centre on November 11.