A couple of extra hard training sessions and the introduction of two new players combined to put Worthing firmly back on track with a 5-1 demolition of Salisbury City at Woodside Road.

Boss Alan Pook got exactly the response he demanded from his players following the embarrassing FA Cup defeat at Kent League side Thamesmead.

Worthing scored five but could easily have doubled their tally in a one-sided clash.

Two goals from former Albion captain Paul Rogers and strikes by fit again Sam Francis, Mark Pulling and substitute Phil Ruggles lifted Worthing spirits after a week in which fire extensively damaged the club's bar.

Pook said: "The players got a lot of stick following the FA Cup game from a lot of people and 80 per cent of it was warranted.

"We needed any win and the extra training was a wake-up call for all the players. We demanded a performance and we got one.

"We didn't let Salisbury play. At 1-1 you wouldn't have wanted to bet on the outcome, but we upped it and finished the game off in the second half, something we haven't done in our previous home matches."

Pook was delighted with the contributions of Matt Russell, who formed a new partnership up front with Francis after joining on loan from Bognor, and Luke Gedling, back for his second spell at Woodside after playing for Horsham.

Gedling slotted into the midfield effectively and Pook explained: "We changed our system a bit because I don't think we've been getting the best out of some of our better players.

"Gedling had a very accomplished game and will do well at this level, and the way Russell linked up with Francis you would have thought they had played together for years. They complemented each other terrifically well."

The only disappointment for Rebels after gaining their third successive league win was an ankle injury to Owen Hill, who had to be stretchered off on the hour following a dreadful two-footed challenge by Steve Strong, who received a straight red card.

Pook felt it could have been avoided had the referee taken sterner action when only cautioning Salisbury fullback Scott Bartlett for an earlier tackle.

He said: "A player got injured because the referee was not severe enough in the first place. It could have ended Owen's career, the ball had gone and the lad was determined he was going to do him."

Pook believes Rebels' aim of finishing in the top six is still achievable given they are a young, improving side, but admits the pressure is on them to achieve success after losing only nine games in all competitions last season.

He added: "It's going to be much harder this season because this is a very good league and people expect match winning performances every game."

Worthing: Ormerod, Holmes, Knee, Pullan, Lutwyche, Gedling, Hill (Rents 59), Rogers, Russell (Ruggles 76), Francis (Alexander 76), Pulling.

Salisbury City: Sawyer, Bartlett, Lisk (Kelly 66), A. Cook, Thomas, M. Holmes, Howes, Davis, S. Cook (Phillips 52), Tubbs, Strong.

Attendance: 331.