James Alabi scored four times in a scintillating first-half as Chester FC embarrassed Aldershot Town 8-2 on an extraordinary evening.
Not even the most optimistic of fans could have predicted what occurred in front of a sparse 1,425 crowd which reflected the disillusionment among some supporters.
If Chester performed like this every week supporters would fighting to get into the ground, although the Blues are unlikely to face such suicidal opposition as Aldershot's persistence with high line was exposed time and time again, allowing Alabi to run riot.
Sam Hughes opened the scoring in the fifth minute, slamming home Jordan Chapell's corner for the teenager's first league goal.
Alabi doubled the lead on 13 minutes, running onto an inch-perfect pass from Danny O'Brien and poking the ball past Phil Smith.
Aldershot halved the deficit with a fine strike from Ross Lafayette in the 23rd minute, the on-loan striker bending a shot into the top corner from 20 yards and at that stage the visitors seemed to be in the game.
In pictures: Action from Chester's 8-2 demolition of Aldershot
But when Alabi got his second on 35 minutes, racing onto Heneghan's pass and slotting home, the floodgates opened.
Hughes made it 4-1 three minutes later from another Chapell corner as his downwards header had too much power for Smith.
Alabi completed his hat-trick in the 42nd minute, running onto Ross Hannah's pass before beating Smith with another ice cool finish.
And there was still time for a sixth and Alabi's fourth as Ryan Astles clipped the ball over the defence and the big forward lobbed the exposed Smith.
There was no danger of Burr telling his side to shut up shop and eight minutes into the second-half Hannah made it 7-1 with a stunning volley from the edge of the area that gave Smith no chance.
Chester were far from done and continued to pour forward but the visitors managed to stem the flow temporarily and pulled one back on the counter through Dan Walker.
The Blues did get an eighth on 74 minutes when Hannah netted his 22nd goal of the campaign, punishing Smith's mistake when the keeper failed to hold O'Brien's shot to wrap up a win that will live long in the memory
Talking points
Amazing Alabi: We were told Alabi had the wow factor and his goal against Kidderminster gave supporters a glimpse of his natural talent. However he failed to back that up in the games with Tranmere and Bromley, and there were calls for Nyal Bell to start ahead of him against Aldershot. Steve Burr kept faith with the big man and he repaid the manager with an outstanding display. He has the attributes to be player far higher up the pyramid, without question. Consistency appears to be an issue but if the Blues can get him performing anywhere near this level on a regular basis they could have a real asset on their hands.
Match facts
Chester FC: Thompson, Higgins, Heneghan, Astles, Hunt, O'Brien (Mahon 78), Hughes (Shaw 73), Lloyd, Chapell, Alabi (Bell 69), Hannah.
Subs: Worsnop, Rooney.
Goals: Hughes 5 and 38, Alabi 13, 35, 42 and 45, Hannah 53 and 74.
Aldershot Town: Smith, Alexander, Oastler, Beckles, McGinty, Browne, Gallagher, Stevenson (Saville 84), Walker, Lafayette (Pavey 69), Rasulo (Hatton 60).
Subs: Ralph, Thomas.
Goals: Lafayette 23, Walker 67.
Booked: Oastler.
Referee: Karl Evans (Wigan).
Attendance: 1,425.
Verdict
I'll hold my hands up and admit to fearing the worst before kick-off.
I predicted a grim 1-0 defeat but what transpired couldn't have been more different. The Blues were ruthless, clinical and had the bit between their teeth from the get go.
Even allowing for Aldershot's failure to realise at 2-0 down that operating with such a high defensive line was suicide, Chester were sensational across the park with Alabi the star of the show.
The supporters who turned up were in dreamland and everyone should enjoy the moment because it was the kind of result that happens once or twice in a generation.
