WYCOMBE HC fulfiled their potential and returned to the top of the table with a resounding South Regional One victory over Ashford.

England’s Liam Sanford scored twice as they overpowered their hosts 5-1.

Hugo Clark has already gone close with an audacious chip when Sanford put Wycombe in front from their first short corner of the match.

However, despite further chances, it remained 1-0 at the break, and despite words of encouragement from Dom Day it was Ashford who began the second half the stronger.

Wycombe keeper Nick Barnard was called on to save from one short corner while Chris Pedick charged down another.

However, the pressure was mounting and Ashford duly equalised 15 minutes into the second half.

But rather than wilting, Wycombe rallied strongly and regained their lead after another short corner popped up to Roberto Parmegiani.

They increased their lead when a ranging run from Sanford earned a penalty flick, which he converted himself.

Barnard still had to be alert inside the Wycombe goal as Ashford threatened again from a short corner, but Wycombe were the dominant side and only a post denied Sanford his hat-trick.

However, Matt Bilsland was on target to make it 4-1 near the end and there was just time for Paul Stock to get on the scoresheet himself and complete a valuable victory for the Cressex outfit.

Wycombe host West Witney and Wallingford in successive matches before the Christmas break.

The first team’s big win over Ashford set up a fine weekend for the club, with three more victories coming from the senior men.

Wycombe 2s weren’t one of the winners though. They lost 3-1 to Phoenix & Ranelagh with Harry Bennett scoring their consolation, while Callum Addison struck in a 1-1 draw for Wycombe 3s against Marlow.

However, the fourth, fifth and sixth teams all won.

Dan Aldridge, Stephen Cavanagh and John Reid scored in a 3-1 win for Wycombe 4s over Eastcote 6s, Wycombe 5s beat Reading Rovers 2-0 thanks to Stephen Hazelhurst and Chris Power while Wycombe 6s beat Staines 5s 4-2 with Joe Daly, Peter Grimmett, Ethan Richards and Toby Stillwell doing the damage.