Derek Stapley, the Robin Hood coach, admits he was stunned with the ease in which his team dispatched North Village in the Corona League at Goose Gosling Field last week.

The defending champions thrashed their title rivals 6-1, reasserting themselves as firm contenders again for this season’s title.

Second in the table on 24 points, only one point behind Tuff Dogs, Hood opened up a four point gap between themselves and third place Village with the win.

Dogs have played one fewer game than their rivals.

“The speed at which the game changed in the second half was the most surprising thing of all,” Stapley said.

“The biggest difference was the way we took our chances. We created a handful of opportunities and managed to score with five of them in the second half. Some of these were in quick succession and Village were unable to respond after that.

“In the end we were surprised by the size of the defeat because heading into the game we knew Village were very strong and they have been playing some very attractive attacking football.”

Rohaan Simons scored a hat-trick, while goals from Jevon Roberts, Grant McKellar and an Robert Wilson own goal helped Hood to the win. Keith Martins scored for Village.

Stapley suspects that the defeat will only serve as a minor setback for Village who he believes remain title contenders.

“The first half was very evenly balanced with Village a goal ahead for a big part of it and we only drew level following an own goal just before half-time,” Stapley said.

“I am sure they will bounce back because they have a very experienced squad and play some great football.

“There is a long way to go in the season so I would certainly expect them to be right up there in the mix at the top of the table in March.”

In last weekend’s other games, Marcel Dill scored a hat-trick as leaders Dogs beat Valley FC 8-3. Lamaul Crofton chipped in with a brace, while Aaron Browne, Wolde Place, and Justin Robinson also scored for Dogs. Anthony Webb scored a hat-trick for Valley.

West End United beat Vasco De Gama in a five-goal thriller, 3-2, courtesy of a Henry Santucci brace.

Matthew Carvalho also scored for the winners, while Kai Hollis and Ricardo Madeiros scored for Vasco.

Chris Lima and James Cooney each grabbed a goal as BAA beat Lock N Key 2-1.

Chris Furbert was on target for Valley.