BETHNAL GREEN put their disastrous defeat to Enfield last week behind them to record an impressive 4-2 win at Witham Town on Saturday.

Kadir Jama struck twice, while Anton Stephenson and Richard Johnson were also on target as the Greens reduced the 10-point gap between themselves and leaders Enfield 1893 to seven.

Last week boss Justin Gardner described the performance in the 3-0 defeat to the table toppers as the worst since he took charge and demanded improvement from his team.

“It was a tremendous performance and I got the response I wanted,” the manager said.

“We spoke at length in training about the Enfield game and for us now it is in the past.”

Greens looked a completely different side against Witham and it took just nine minutes to take the lead.

New signing at left back Daniel Rimmell set Jama free with a defence-splitting pass, before beating two players and sending a dipping drive into the top corner.

“It was a world-class goal and because of the circumstances probably the best we have scored this season,” Gardner said.

Jama scored the second four minutes before the break with a neat finish. The hosts halved the deficit through Rob Whitnall after 58 minutes, but Marlon Campbell powered home an effort after 71 minutes.

Whitnall was again on target to bring the game back to 3-2 with seven minutes left, but Johnson scored within a minute to make the game safe.

“They had two shots on goal in the whole game and scored them both and both goals were errors from us,” Gardner said.

“There is a long way to go in the season and we are desperate to make improvements. We are not out of it.

“Enfield have some tough matches coming up and there are plenty of twists and turns yet to come.”

The Greens are without a game this Saturday, but take on Barking in the league next Wednesday.

“It is frustrating to go without a game but its just the way it goes,” Gardner said.

“Ashley King says he is close to fitness and should be back soon which is great news, while we have brought in full back Jack Sawyer.”