After a first half that barely sprang to life, the home side took the lead immediately after the break through Marcus Dinanga's low shot from 20 yards.

They doubled that lead on 67 minutes when the same player got beyond Joe Hull before slotting past matt Gould, and four minutes later it was 3-0 as Dinanga again netted, this time from the penalty spot after handball had been given against Junior Smikle.

Hague's late goal, winning a challenge with Gladiators' keeper Phil Barnes and then stroking the ball home, provided scant relief to Gary Hackett's men who must now look to make amends in the Emirates FA Cup next Saturday.