Caretaker boss Anthony Gale says reaching the FA Trophy first qualifying round is reward for those who have keot the faith at Waterside Drive, writes Kane Brooker.

Double strikes from Gabriel Odunaike and Jack Medley added to goals from Scott Day and Jeremy Boakye to hand a 6-1 preliminary round replay thrashing to East Grinstead Town on Tuesday night after the first encounter finished 0-0 on Saturday.

Gale has overhauled the squad since taking over from sacked Mark Hams, and, while the Stags remain nine points from Ryman Division One South safety, the manager was pleased for some light relief.

“It was great to score the amount of goals we did,” said the manager.

“It’s good for the club to win a little bit of money – all the officials have put a lot of effort into this.

“It’s great to give something back to everyone who has worked so hard, both for us as a management team, and also the players.

“They wore their heart on their sleeves, rolled them up when required, and showed us just how much they care about the club.”

Casuals, who host Peacehaven & Telscombe in the first qualifying round on November 1, travel to Chipstead on Saturday.