Wealdstone boss Gordon Bartlett labelled the Stones’ 3-0 win over Gosport Borough as their best home result of the season, stating he never doubted the ability of match-winner Jefferson Louis.

The 36-year-old forward was the star of the show as Wealdstone reacted brilliantly to consecutive Conference South losses against Bishop’s Stortford and Havant & Waterlooville.

Louis played a part in the Stones’ opener – scored by Matty Ball – before netting the second himself and laying on the third for strike partner Scott McGleish – some five years his senior.

Speaking afterwards, boss Bartlett said of the win: “It is probably our best result.

“We dug deep and got a very good result against a side that I did state before the game, if they lose they do not normally lose by many, and we beat them 3-0 – I think that is testament to how well we have done.”

Louis drew some criticism from Stones supporters following his move to Grosvenor Vale earlier this year but the former Margate and Hendon striker now has five goals in 12 outings for the club.

Assessing the impact of the Harrow-born hitman, Bartlett enthused: “I never had any doubts about his ability. He can be a little bit inconsistent – even in games – but by God he is a handful.

“All I can say is he is playing with a smile on his face. There are one or two things we would like him to do better but I am sure there are one or things Jeff would like to do better.

He continued: “But you can’t ask for much more than he has given us in the last month where has been very effective and I do not think there are many defenders who would like to mark him.

“He loves a battle; he was in a war tonight and he won it.”

The win was Wealdstone’s first in three after a 3-1 loss at Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday.

But Bartlett refused to criticise his players after defeat in Hampshire, instead putting the onus on his squad to re-capture the form which has seen them rise to 11th.

He explained: “The game against Bishop’s Stortford was my concern. On Saturday, for 50-odd minutes I thought we were better than Havant. The disappointment was the reaction after the goal.

“All we said before the game was, ‘you set your own standards, boys,’ and the last couple of games I think we have dipped below.”

Bartlett also confirmed Nathan Mavila has completed his loan stay and returned to West Ham United.

Stones host second-placed Boreham Wood on Saturday at 3pm.