Camden United lead the Premier Division of the Middlesex County League [Reem Mustafa]

FOOTBALL clichés survive the test of time for a reason, and there’s none that managers love more than: “We’re taking it one game at a time.”

That’s the message Leon Louis is repeating to his Camden United players – even after they beat title rivals London Fennecs 7-0 on Saturday in the Premier Division of the Middlesex County League.

By the time that London Fennecs had a player sent off in the first half, United were already well on their way to dismantling the meanest defence in the top-flight.

However, Louis, who works for Westminster Council, isn’t getting carried away by the result, and is instead urging his league leaders to “be professional”.

A wise approach considering United are only three points ahead of Fennecs, who still have three games in hand.

“To be honest, I try not to pay too much attention to the table,” said Louis, who only took over as United gaffer last summer. “There are so many variables, like clubs having games in hand, teams at the top all still having to play each other, and player availability.

“There are as many as eight teams still very much in the title race, with just four points separating the top six.

“I know it’s a cliché, but we’re taking it one game at a time, and need to treat every game like it’s a cup final.”

Mohammed Hassan scored the pick of the goals on Saturday in breaking the deadlock against London Fennecs, controlling a pinpoint 40-yard pass from Coren Noble-Cleary before smashing the ball past the keeper.

There was just as much buzz and banter surrounding Endrit Feka’s goal, too, after the game, with teammates debating whether the winger’s effort was a cross or a shot.

The resounding win also saw Matheus Santana and Ferhat Canlier both help themselves to two goals each, while Harrison Bacon also found the back of the net at the New River Stadium in Wood Green.

Even with a glut of goals to choose from, the man-of-the-match award went to Kayden Mandangu-Makangu – the recently turned 17-year-old left-back praised for his “brilliant display” in which he showed “experience and ability beyond his years”.

With 14th-placed Indian Gymkhana Club up next this weekend, Louis said it’s important for Camden United to display the same relentlessness that they showed in recording their biggest win of the season so far.

He said: “We scored in the opening five minutes against London Fennecs and never looked back. The challenge now is to keep showing that level of intensity against teams lower down the table. We have to show that same professionalism in each and every game we play.”

Elsewhere, Camden & Islington United, more commonly known as Candi United, also picked up three big points on Saturday. Jake Lamour-Johnson, Jack Urwin, Karl Usher-Williams and player-manager Nick Wigmore were all on target in a pulsating 4-2 victory over Hilltop 2nds.

The result leaves Candi sitting seventh in the table, just five points behind Camden United.

This weekend they are due to travel to a Jolof Sports side rooted to the bottom of the table.