Godmanchester Rovers boss Chris Hyem had double-cause for celebration – thanks to events on and off the pitch.

Hyem saw a super start to his reign continue when Rovers roared to a 5-2 success at second-placed Stanway in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division last Saturday.

The triumph in Essex featured two goals from red-hot frontman Arran Mackay who provided his boss with another boost by snubbing the advances of higher-level Histon.

Mackay has struck nine times in his last seven appearances since being restored to an attacking role by Hyem following his October appointment.

Previous boss Adie Cambridge had preferred to deploy Mackay as a central defender ahead of his resignation.

Hyem said: “We controlled the vast majority of the game and dominated a top side in all positions.

“It was comfortably our most complete team performance since I took over and it was all the more pleasing given we had five players missing.

“All 13 lads in the squad put in a great shift and the spirit is continually improving.

“Hopefully I’ve managed to give the lads a bit of belief that might have been missing before and I have a great motivator working with me in Dave Hurst.

“It’s brilliant that Arran has turned Histon down.

“He is loving his football more than ever and he knows how ambitious we are.

“We’re not just looking to push on up the table this season – we’re already thinking about getting back to being contenders next season.”

Hyem admitted Rovers were ‘shaky’ early on at Stanway, but they weathered the storm to hit the front as Chae Simons converted a Josh Sewell cross.

Mackay, Joe Furness and the returning Tom Spark, who has dropped down two levels to rejoin the club from St Neots Town, all missed good chances before Sewell succeeded in doubling the lead with a 20-yard strike.

Rovers’ advantage was briefly halved as Stanway upped the ante in the second period, but they responded superbly as Simons struck again before Mackay slid in for a fourth goal.

The hosts hit back again when Richard Brandon was lobbed from long distance, but Mackay had the final say as he rifled in from the corner of the penalty area.

Rovers are now unbeaten in five league games since Hyem took charge and they appear to have an ideal opportunity to extend their fine run when hosting rock-bottom FC Clacton at the David Wilson Homes Ground tomorrow.