Reaction from Spalding United manager Jimmy Dean after their victory over Bedford Town

Manager Jimmy Dean hailed a 'fantastic feeling' as Spalding United stormed to their biggest league win of the season on Saturday.

The Tulips won the battle of the in-form sides in the Southern League Premier Division Central with a 5-1 away success at Bedford Town.

It saw Spalding stretch their unbeaten league run to eight games after ending the Eagles' five-match winning streak as the Tulips turned their recent dominant displays into goals.

Dean said: "It was a fantastic feeling.

"We had been threatening to do it for a little while because we've had a lot of games where we've created a lot of chances.

"We showed a real clinical edge and, although we missed a few, we got a couple of fortuitous goals.

"Bedford had won five games on the trot, they were third in the league and we came away and scored five goals to turn them over on their own patch.

"They didn't stop until the very last minute and you've got to give them credit but it would have taken a top, top side to have stopped us."

Five different goalscorers were on target as Kieron Freeman, Joe Nyahwema, Maniche Sani, Dion Sembie-Ferris and James Clifton all netted.

Freeman broke the deadlock just past the half-hour mark with Nyahwema netting before the break.

Two goals in four second half minutes from Sani and Sembie-Ferris increased the advantage before Clifton capped the display late on.

Dean added: "I always felt we were in control.

"We were in control of the ball and, although they showed a threat down the channels to try and get in behind us a few times, we read it really well after the first couple of attempts.

"Bedford had some willing runners but I felt the first goal was coming and you always back Kieron when he lined it up because of the quality which he's got.

"He steered it in and it set us on our way."

Dean also felt that the quality of the 4G surface at Bedford's Eyrie ground always helped the Tulips' cause.

He said: "The 4G pitches are not to everyone's liking.

"They are a bit like marmite because some people like them and others don't.

"It played superbly though and, having a flat and true surface to play football on, showed what we are capable of."

Spalding - who included new goalkeeping recruit Aaron Chapman on the substitutes' bench - travel to face Bishop's Stortford on Saturday.