The feeling at the end of the game against Bowers & Pitsea was one of deflation as Hullbridge slumped to a 3-0 defeat, but, alongside that deflation came that feeling of a lesson learned. And, in Tuesday night's chance for an instant bounceback, the players presented their character in the most emphatic way possible as they stormed to a 4-1 victory over Stansted.

The first goal, however, despite the result, came from the away side. The chance, resulting in the bulge of the net, came as Hullbridge failed to clear, letting the Stansted cutback find the number seven who converted past Greene in the home goal.

The 17th-minute strike came completely against the run of play; Hullbridge were seemingly controlling the game well. Yet, off Stansted went to celebrate the opener.

It's moments like this, though, when we begin to see the resilience of the Hullbridge squad; instead of heads dropping, the heads of the home players refocused and went again. Not long after, an equaliser came courtesy of Matt Baxter's strike from range. The midfielder picked up the ball before releasing a driving shot onto the post and into the back of the net.

And that's how the half ended with the second half performance needing more ruthlessness in front of goal for another win in Pre-Season. Just 15 minutes later, too, and that ruthless nature was more apparent than ever.

The second goal to take the lead was the goal of the night. Nathan Scarborough started the move with a brilliant flick before Bishop's cross found the head of the incoming Callum Fitzer. As the net burst for the third time of the night, applause rang around Lower Road from the players turned fans who had witnessed a blistering counter-attack.

The pressure, from this point on, became relentless from Hullbridge. Even as Kieran Bishop and Callum Fitzer exited the field for Caiden Thomas and Arnold Achaempong, the home side continued their pursuit for another goal. And just 10 minutes later, another goal came.

This time, in what is becoming a common theme in the Hullbridge Pre-Season, the goal came from the penalty spot. Nathan Scarborough stepped up from 12 yards, as a result of the handball, to convert and put the game to bed.

Lewis Watson then added a fourth to end proceedings on a high. Though, it has to be said, only he can decide whether the goal was originally intended as a cross. It certainly came as a surprise to see him 'shooting' from the wide area. Nonetheless, Watson's strike made it four to complete an impressive performance from Hullbridge to further prepare for the FA Cup game against Hadley in two weeks time.