Two goals in each half saw Dereham crash to a heavy defeat at Aldiss Park.

The scoreline slightly flattered the visitors with Dereham spurning several good chances. Home manager Matt Henman was disappointed and felt that his side deserved more from the match.

He said: 'That's the best we've been in possession this season. We should have been two up before they scored. We hit their post twice and had three one-on-ones with their keeper, who had a superb game, which we couldn't convert.

'We conceded a couple of goals that we should have done better with but at half-time we felt we were still in the game. However their third goal was a real sucker punch which we couldn't recover from.'

Dereham were looking the most likely and after defender Jake Anema had fired a 20-yarder into Cheshunt keeper James May's arms, Payton Swatman lifted the ball over the visiting defence to Rhys Logan who sped forward before striking a low drive that keeper May palmed onto his right hand post.

Logan was then just beaten in a race to the ball by keeper May after home skipper Luke Tuttle had played a superb ball from the centre circle. The Magpies threatened again with Tuttle finding Lewis Butcher – later denied by defender Luke Illsey on his own goal-line – who fired over the top.

Jason Hallett's deflected free-kick gave the Ambers an undeserved lead in the 37th minute. Chestnut should have increased their advantage when Hallett spurned a great opportunity.

The North London side pressed again with their goalscorer having an effort well saved by Will Viner. From Joe Clemo's centre Viner saved the initial effort but substitue George Pullen headed home from close range to extend Cheshunt's lead in added time.

Dereham upped their tempo after the break and were denied by May's great save from Lewis Wallace. Play switched ends and Hallett used his strength to turn his man and make it 3-0. Cheshunt boss Paul Wickenden was dismissed from his dugout for comments made to the match officials but that failed to change the nature of proceedings.

Anema struck the visitors' post and then May made saves from Butcher and substitute Ryan Crisp. To cap a miserable afternoon for the Magpies, Pullen finished another breakaway to make it four.