Potters Bar Town may have just picked up their most impressive victory of the season so far but manager Max Mitchell  is trying to keep expectations under manageable control.

The Scholars won 4-1 at Canvey Island, putting daylight between them and the Isthmian League Premier Division relegation zone for the first real time this season.

The success in Essex also made it one defeat in 12 league matches, form that would have put them in fully in the mix for a play-off place had they not suffered six straight losses at the beginning of the campaign.

But with Christmas looming, the boss is trying to stay calm.

He said: "It's hugely important [to be grounded] and we never get too far ahead of ourselves here.

"I said to the group that we have to enjoy tonight but then we're into Christmas and have a Boxing Day game at home to Wingate where we hope to have a good crowd.

"But we wanted to put in a performance for the supporters [at Canvey].

"We had a tough start to the season but we feel we've overcome some obstacles and some challenges and we are moving in the right direction.

"With regards to our position in the league, we don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves, we just want to take every game as it comes."

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Alie Njie scored the opening goal for Potters Bar Town. Picture: TGS PHOTOAlie Njie scored the opening goal for Potters Bar Town. Picture: TGS PHOTO (Image: TGS Photo)

Potters Bar took the lead on the island in the 17th minute when Alie Njie scored at the back post.

A second arrived before half-time, Brandon Adams netting just before the break on his first appearance following a lengthy injury lay-off.

And even though the hosts pulled one back in the second period, a double by Temi Babalola in the final 20 minutes sealed the points.

It was Adams' goal that pleased the boss about the attacking performance though.

Welwyn Hatfield Times:  Temi Babalola's double completed the Potters Bar win at Canvey Island. Picture: TGS PHOTO Temi Babalola's double completed the Potters Bar win at Canvey Island. Picture: TGS PHOTO (Image: TGS Photo)

"We have a lot of attacking options," said Mitchell.

"Brandon has had to be exceptionally patient. He's had a tough journey and has had to wait [for his] shoulder.

"He's only trained twice and the games being called off has probably helped his cause.

"It's got him into the squad and he showed his energy and prowess in front of goal on Thursday night. We felt he was the right option.

"He scored at a crucial time too.

"We've been in front in games before and have had opportunities to score again but with Brandon's quality [he helps]."

As for the performance overall, Mitchell was just as pleased.

He said: "It was a really controlled, disciplined and organised win away from home.

"I did feel it coming. The whole group trained really well on Thursday night and it was good to get a full complement of players back into training.

"We had a bit of headache in terms of selection. It's probably the first time in a long time we've had that option.

"And it showed. We were really good in and out of possession and we were really good in the attacking transition.

"We created a load of chances and we could have had more.

"We have to enjoy this win but then focus on Tuesday [at home to Horsham]."