Acton started with a brief, flickering moment of optimism. Reuben Yates-Salt slotted a penalty in the 17th minute to make it 1-0. It was the kind of start that usually leads to a cautious 1-0 win and a very boring post-match interview. In fairness, Yates-Salt has the composure, but the lead lasted exactly sixty seconds.

The breakdown happened in a blur. André Coquelin levelled in the 18th, and then the floodgates didn't just open, they were ripped off the hinges. Mensah Mensah-Boateng (19') and Bruno Costantini (21') added two more in a three-minute span that left the Acton defence looking like they were trying to navigate a roundabout in a heavy fog.

Mederic Boutemy pulled one back in the 23rd, but Costantini responded immediately. He claimed his second in the 26th and a third in the 32nd, his individual output effectively ending the contest before the tea break. Costantini is easily the standout individual in this league right now. Dario Coppolaro added a header in the 34th to make it 3-5 at the half. It was a spirited effort, mostly in the sense that Acton continued to exist.

“He claimed his second in the 26th and a third in the 32nd, his individual output effectively ending the contest before the tea break.”

The second half was more of a choreographed exercise in inevitability. Cleavon Marsh added two more (51', 54') to bring the final score to 3-7. Marsh provides a different kind of threat to Costantini, though I’d still rank him second in the Beeston hierarchy.

The numbers tell you it was a collapse. They don't tell you the specific look of defeat on the Acton keeper's face as the seventh went in. Typical, really.

Beeston look far too comfortable with the ball, and Acton have a very long weekend of reflection ahead of them.