Wealdstone manager Gordon Bartlett believes his side sent out a message to their promotion rivals after a 4-1 win at Dulwich Hamlet.

The Stones picked up their fifth consecutive win in the Ryman Premier Division to put them second and only three points behind AFC Hornchurch with three games in hand.

A stunning individual goal from Glen Little stole the plaudits but the manager was quick to praise his entire side.

Batlett said: “Glen Little will take all the plaudits but he won’t be the hero unless the ten others all do their jobs. I’ve got nothing but praise for all of them.

“I think we’ve sent a message to the rest of the league. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Dulwich.

“I am very confident that no-one else will do that to Dulwich this season. They are one of the best footballing teams in the league. They were very impressive but we played exceptionally well on the counter-attack.”

He added: “The work ethic was a credit to them and they were rewarded with an outstanding win.

“The way we set up and stuck to our tactical gameplan was superb and it was a very professional performance.”

Luke Pigden’s 34th minute effort fired the Stones in front before Little floated an effort from the left into the corner of the net.

The former Reading and Portsmouth winger then produced a moment of magic as he dribbled with the ball from deep inside his own half before chipping over the keeper.

Bartlett said: “The goal was of the highest quality. His awareness to chip the keeper was fantastic.

“The reaction from the bench summed it up when all of us stood up and walked onto the pitch applauding and gasping with appreciation.

“It was right up there and I don’t think I’ve seen an individual goal like that. It was a phenomenal piece of skill and awareness.”

Dulwich pulled one back before Scott McGleish, who missed out on the Enfield Town managerial job, headed home from close range.

Wealdstone reached the quarter-final of the Middlesex Senior Cup after a 4-3 win on penalties against Uxbridge.

The Stones drew 2-2 after extra-time with goals from Pigden and Chris Moore.

Bartlett’s side host lowly Met Police this weekend as they look to maintain their winning run in the league.

The Stones boss said: “We are taking nothing for granted and we’ll treat every team with the same respect otherwise we’ll catch a cold.”