There is still a visible reminder for Potters Bar Town to a gobsmacking start to the Isthmian League Premier Division season - they still have a negative goal difference.

The 8-0 thumping at home to Dover Athletic on day one sent reverberations round the league and through a stunned Scholars camp.

Fast forward seven weeks though and they almost wiped out the remnants of that loss in one fell swoop - with a 5-0 trouncing of league leaders Lewes, the Sussex side's first defeat of the campaign.

Goals from Brandon Adams and David Hicks, direct from a corner, gave the Scholars a 2-0 half-time lead before Ben Ward-Cochrane, Steve Cawley and Rickie Hayles rubber-stamped the superb day out at their temporary Kings Langley home.

And if all of that wasn't enough, the fifth success of the season has lifted them up to third in the table, five points behind Lewes but with a game in hand, and ironically one spot above Dover.

Manager Max Mitchell was rightly proud.

Potters Bar Town manager Max Mitchell smiles as he applauds the fans. Picture: MANDY DAVIESPotters Bar Town manager Max Mitchell smiles as he applauds the fans. Picture: MANDY DAVIES (Image: Mandy Davies) He said: "To go up against Lewes, top of the table and unbeaten, and to put on a performance like that, was really pleasing.

"It was full of energy, full of desire and it was exceptional from the players. And another clean sheet too.

"The players deserved that.

"I felt there was a performance coming, wasn't sure if it was coming today, but credit to the boys.

"We've had some ups and downs this season and we've had to patch up a few people but we played a 16-year-old kid in Harry Brant who was absolutely unbelievable.

"The performance was fantastic."

That first start for teenager Brant was particularly impressive.

Mitchell said: ""It was a bold decision but he came on against Hadley in midweek and came on the pitch and made an impact.

"We wanted to give him the opportunity.

"For the first 15 minutes, as a team, we didn't get the press right but after we had a little bit of a reset, we started to get it right.

"But Harry's work-rate was exceptional, he covered a lot of ground and we've not thrown him in as a token gesture.

"If we feel a player is going to make an impact, he'll play."

There was also praise for the defensive duo of Hayles and Ronnie Henry.

The Bar boss said: "We've got a young side but we've got experience in and around that and Ricky and Ronnie were calm and very composed, kept us together in moments.

"If we can get those combinations throughout the group and get a two or three back into the squad, we'll be in good shape."

And the gaffer was also pleased that the goals were shared about.

Mitchell said: "Steve has got the bulk of our goals this season so it was nice to see a few others chip in.

"I'm really pleased for David Hicks. He's had a few performances where he's come under a little bit of scrutiny and we've challenged him a little bit.

"He has made a real difference here.

"The third goal, what a strike from Ben Ward-Cochrane, the press from Harry for the fourth goal, Stevie's goal was excellent, but collectively we were excellent."