WALTHAM Abbey captain Lee White hailed the team after they “made a statement” with a four goal win which puts them on the cusp of Ryman Premier football.

Abbey took on Brentwood Town in a do-or-die play-off match on Monday night.

They made sure the host's enjoyed no home advantage by scoring three times in the opening half-hour.

Later, Abbey survived the loss of George Chandra to a dubious red card close to half time, but extended their lead further in the second half of this Ryman Division One North clash.

Town scored a late penalty, but deserved nothing from an insipid display.

Abbey totally dominated all areas.

Praising a performance full of "character" White said: “The boys thoroughly deserved it. We worked hard for one another. I'm proud of them.”

“The first goal was a nerve-settler, but then to get two and then three is like a dream come true. Our forwards have pace and power. Then to go get a fourth with ten men on the counter attack shows these boys want to keep playing.”

“We made a statement tonight, Every single one of the boys can be proud.”

Mark Sontag opened the scoring on 19 minutes with a swerving half-volley from the edge of the penalty area which had Billy McMahon in the Brentwood goal groping thin air.

There was a hint of a deflection, but the 15 cheering Abbey fans behind the net did not care one bit.

Aaron Gayle scored the first of his brace soon after when he got in position at the far post to meet a deep cross with his head.

Brentwood were rattled and conceded again quickly. Harry Elms swooped when defenders Steve King and Steve Good got in a tangle, and coolly rounded the keeper for the third.

And Abbey sealed the win on 52 minutes when Gayle scored with a second bite of the cherry on a one-on-one.

Brentwood netted a late penalty, but it was scant consolation.

Abbey prepare now to take on Concord Rangers this weekend. “We're one cup final away” White said. “We'll enjoy it.”