On a chilly night in Mid Sussex, United showed two changes from the side that had defeated East Preston the previous Saturday, with Shaun Lee making his first start since returning to the club whilst Toby Clifford also handed a starting berth.
The plight of St Francis has been well documented and United had to start brightly to ensure they didn’t become the first side to drop points against the leagues basement side; and start brightly they did.
A deep cross from the right evaded Baitup and Cooper, but Dave Smart had continued his run from left back and rifled home a first time effort that flew into the far corner of the net
Despite the setback, St Francis looked to cause problems for United but the experienced defensive line dealt with anything that was thrown their way.
In truth, the game could have been wrapped up by half time but Liam Baitup spurned a couple of good opportunities to extend the lead before being denied by Jake Rudwick in the home goal.
Baitup was also turning provider, with one inch perfect cross finding the head of Peter Cooper, but his looping header went just over the bar.
The second half saw Rangers shoot straight from kick off, but James Broadbent comfortably gathered the effort on a night where the United ‘keeper was a virtual spectator.
Ten minutes into the second half, the lead was doubled as Cooper’s shot from the edge of the area took a wicked deflection which left Rudwick helpless and the ball looped into the net
A further ten minutes later, the game was all but secured with a superb team move that began with a sublime piece of skill on the left wing from Max Hollobone, who then thread the ball to Clifford, before squaring for Cooper who bundled home from close range.
Further chances fell to Baitup but the striker hit the side netting before dragging wide as you sensed it wouldn’t be his night, but on 70 minutes he finally got his goal that his all round play deserved with a composed finish after beating the offside trap.
United were awarded a penalty with three minutes to play after substitute Jamie Bunn was scythed down inside the area, but Cooper was denied his hat-trick as Rudwick guessed right to save his spot kick before the rebound was put wide by Sam Crabb.
A minute later, Baitup made it five as he thumped home Bunn’s left wing cross before completing his hat-trick in time added on as he headed over Rudwick after the ‘keeper had spilt a tame effort.