BRIDGEPORT–The Staples boys soccer team returned from a rare six-day layoff Wednesday evening, at Bridgeport Central’s Kennedy Stadium.

Ford Epstein slammed in a left-footed blast off Emmett Zahler’s long throw just six minutes in. It looked like the rout was on, against the winless Hilltoppers.

But the hosts played solid defense, tried to spring their speedy attackers loose, and made a game of it for the next half hour.

The Westporters got a second goal two minutes before intermission. Gabe Duque leaped high in the air, power-heading home an inswinging corner kick from his fellow captain Gabe Hellmann.

The final 40 minutes were entirely different. Josh Whitaker recorded a hat trick — one on a free kick — while Greyson Downes, Arthur Khisyamov and Peter Nelson added sole strikes, staking the Wreckers to an 8-1 win.

As the second half of the regular season begins, Staples is now 7-2-0 overall, 6-2-0 in the FCIAC. They’re making their move toward a top four league finish — meaning a home game to open the eight-team tournament.

Their next challenge comes Saturday, at Fairfield Warde (1 p.m.). The “Gold Game” match is a fundraiser for pediatric cancer research. Both teams will wear special socks, and spectators are encouraged to wear gold — not Staples blue or Warde red.