Fresh from their comprehensive FA Youth Cup triumph, Colney Heath’s youngsters showed they could do it in senior competition as well following a fine 4-1 win at North Greenford United in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.

With players missing due to holidays and suspensions, manager Ryan Thompson had little hesitation in bringing the U18s in and they repaid his faith in style.

Harry Lewis, Harry Shepherd, Andy Sears-Black and Joe Newton got the goals in west London while Tom Blackman had a solid enough game in goal on his first senior appearance in three years.

The Magpies took the lead in just the second minute, although this effort had more than a little good fortune about it.

Lewis thumped the ball from the half-way line towards Spencer Clarke-Mardel but a high bounce took it over him and keeper Bailey Mulhall into the net.

The hosts had a goal from a corner kick disallowed, which led to Lee Armitt picking up a booking and the former Colney Heath man would receive a second caution as the players left the field at half-time, leaving United with just 10 men.

They were already 2-0 down by that point, Shepherd getting on the end of a free-kick from Newton by the corner flag with a rasping volley.

And Heath used the man advantage after the break, creating chances for Greg Shaw and Clarke-Mardel, both of whom saw shots turned away.

The pair then had efforts go inches wide but amazingly it was North Greenford who got the next goal with Adam Louth pouncing on a rebound.

But the Magpies put the game beyond doubt in the final five minutes.

First Sears-Black rose highest to thunder a Newton corner into the back of the net for his first goal for the club and then Newton himself was hand to turn in a rebound that came to him after Mulhall had saved again from Clarke-Mardel.

The win lifts the still unbeaten Mags up to fourth in the table.

Cup action returns this week though with Colney going to Baldock in the Premier Division Cup last night (Wednesday) before facing Langford at home in the FA Vase on Saturday.