John Yambasu returned to Holbeach United to help the Tigers shrug off the loss of their top scorer and move towards the Thurlow Nunn First Division North play-off places.
The forward is on duel forms with Pinchbeck United and came back to replace Conner Pilbeam who has made the move to Sleaford Town at a level above.
Pilbeam has netted 15 times in 15 starts for the Tigers this season and is one of the top scorers in the league.
But Yambasu slotted straight back in on Saturday as Holbeach saw off AFC Sudbury Reserves to leap above them and into sixth spot in the division with a 2-1 win.
Yambasu netted the opener from the penalty spot before the man of the match George Frost scored the second in conditions befitting his name.
The Tigers were the better side throughout but did have some defending to do towards the end when Billy Walsh netted for the home side late on.
But they comfortably held out for an important win in the play-off race.
“It was a fantastic performance,” said manager Danny Clifton. “It’s a well deserved win against very good opposition.”
On Pilbeam’s departure, he said: “Connor has been an outstanding player for us and a joy to work with.
“I understand his reasons for moving on and we all wish him well at his new club.
“He’s a great player and a fantastic person.”
The Tigers are just one place and one point away from the play-off spots and take on the side that occupies that spot above them, Great Yarmouth Town, on Saturday.
Kick off at Carter’s Park is at 3pm.
Tigers: Rigby, Greenacre, Cook, Nicholson, Ling, Oldham, Hoyle, Harris, Frost, Prentice, Yambasu. Subs: Robertson, Millinson, Clifton.
Attendance: 54.
