Impressive EP beat league leaders Uckfield

He said: “It was much better from recent weeks, and everyone worked their socks off. We didn’t let them play and it’s a big win for us.

“I felt we fully deserved it, and although they’re a good side, we stifled them.

“It was pleasing to see that we played good football for long spells, and got the result we deserved, as recently, we’ve played well in parts and had some disappointing results.

“We set up to frustrate them with our formation and our game plan, and the guys did exactly what we asked of them. All the lads were excellent, and I can’t praise them enough.”

Mark Burgess got EP, who lined up in a 5-3-2 formation, off to the perfect start when he headed them in front in the first minute.

The second goal arrived on 22 minutes, and it came through Jamie McLeod’s penalty after Burgess had been fouled.

Drew Greenall then made it 2-1 with 20 remaining, but EP appeared to have wrapped the points up when Scott Banfield slotted in the third in the 73rd minute, only for Stuart Clarke to again gave AFC late hope, but despite pressure, EP held out.

EAST PRESTON: Souch; Charman, Curtis, Stideford, D.Hand, Sutcliffe; Manning, Wilde, McLeod; Burgess, Banfield. Subs: Bainbridge (Manning 55), Heward (Curtis 60), Steele (Charman 90).