Earls Colne warmed up for their clash with title favourites West Bergholt with a five-star performance on Boxing Day.

They beat Mersea Island 5-3 to avenge a previous home league defeat by the hosts.

The visitors had to make changes due to illness and unavailability.

Whiting started up front in place of Wiskin and Danny Scott returned at the back to replace Rayner.

Colne flew out of the traps and bombarded Mersea from both flanks, as the hosts struggled to settle.

Robinson fired into the side-netting from close range and Coote was inches away from sliding in a cross from Whiting.

The visitors eventually took the lead when Richard Lister found himself with space on the edge of the box and fired low under the keeper.

Whiting’s pace caused Mersea problems and he increased Colne’s lead when he neatly stroked the ball into the bottom corner from a difficult angle, after Coote had set him up.

The Colne defence then failed to clear a loose ball and were punished by Mersea, who reduced the arrears.

And on the half hour mark, Mersea drew level with a good strike from the edge of the box past Puzey.

Colne did not let this affect their play as they were soon ahead again.

Mel Nice was released by Warren and the home keeper brought him down in the box.

Skipper Lesiak converted the resultant spot-kick to score for the fifth successive match.

Earls Colne suffered a blow when the impressive Whiting was forced off with a knee injury and was replaced by Josh Preston.

But with five minutes left of the half, Pete Robinson added to the tally with a strike from the edge of the box to give the visitors a two-goal cushion at the break.

A fine second half continued for Colne as the side passed the ball well, while the defence, especially Danny Scott coped well against the strong Higgins up front for the hosts.

Puzey also atoned with good hands in the visiting goal.

Coote chased down yet another attack and forced a corner and Warren swung the ball in for Paul Davies to rise well and powerfully head home a fifth.

Mersea reduced the arrears through Higgins late on but it was a fine performance by Colne, who deservedly secured three points on the road.