Rob Collins hit a hat-trick as Horsham ended five league games without a win to crush hosts Croydon Athletic 5-0 in Division One South.

Manager John Maggs said: "It was a thumping good result. There were some big players out there for us."

Hornets had a new-look line-up at the back for their first visit to Mayfield Road.

Goalkeeper Ian Chatfield was injured, skipper Eddie French suspended and full-back James Bird has left.

Centre-half Matt Ottley was carried off in the 38th minute and partner John Kirby played on with a cut mouth after taking an elbow in the face after 36 minutes.

Horsham took the lead on the half-hour. The Rams failed to clear and Gary Charman rolled the ball for Gavin Geddes to score.

It was 2-0 after 51 minutes as Collins slotted his first goal after catching Danny Cecil in possession.

Collins made it 3-0 six minutes later when he seized on a rebound and completed his hat-trick from the spot after 70 minutes following a Tommy Ellis handball.

Jamie Taylor, Collins and Charman all went close before the goal of game in the 77th minute when Collins and Carney combined for on-loan Taylor to drill home.