Stevenage Borough moved to the top of the Blue Square Premier table on New Year`s Day after a convincing win over ten-man and out-of-form Cambridge United at Broadhall Way.
Yemi Odubade put Boro ahead after 25 minutes, nodding home Stacy Long's ball from close range but Danny Crow levelled on 38 minutes with a deft header from Courtney Pitt's free-kick.
The impressive Odubade then set up goals for Lee Boylan, who finished from 18 yards out right on half time, and Chris Beardsley 5 minutes after the break.
Boylan completed the rout on 62 minutes by converting Long's pass, before United's Brian Saah was dismissed for two bookings.
The defender's late sending-off ensured the clubs' last six meetings have each seen at least one red card shown.
Stevenage are now a point clear of Oxford United, who had been top since August 18th and led by nine points at one stage.
But United have three games in hand on Borough, after their Boxing Day and New Year's Day clashes with Rushden & Diamonds were postponed.
The Yellows' clash with Diamonds fell foul of the weather, along with four other games on Friday.
Hayes & Yeading United stun play-off candidates AFC Wimbledon 1-0.
Ram Marwa's close-range header was enough to earn all the spoils for the hosts at Church Road and make it a miserable start to the New Year for December`s manager of the month, Terry Brown.
Ebbsfleet United kicked off 2010 in fine style by hammering fellow strugglers Grays Athletic 3-0 away from home a result that greatly improved their chances of escaping the drop.
Goals from Peter Holmes after 7 minutes, Magno Vieira on 13 and Ricky Shakes 3 minutes before the break handed the Fleet three crucial points.
Charles Ademeno and Glenn Wilson kick-started Crawley Town's New Year's push for a play-off place in a 2-0 win away against Sussex neighbours Eastbourne Borough.
Boro found themselves on the back foot in just the 3rd minute after Ademeno converted a pass from San Rents.
In the 30th minute, Michael Malcolm's ball found Wilson, who made no mistake from close range to keep the Reds in tenth spot.
