SHONN TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL FIRST LEG

SOUTH MANCHESTER SPORTS CLUB 2nd 1

MACCABI MANCHESTER BLUE 5

Jonny Rose's holders were in ruthless mood in the quarter-final first leg against South Manchester 2nd.

Darren Cohen, Roy Fux, Max Rose, Charlie Simpson and Joey Castle were all on target.

The home side grabbed a consolation via Phil Gordon but it appears there is no way back for South Manchester Sports 2nd in the tie.

And a bad day got even worse when Mike Herz was given his marching orders after clashing with the influential Castle.

Referee Behnam Sarani was left with no choice but to red card Herz to add to his side's woes.

Blues boss Rose says his players can defend their crown and said: "I'd like to think we could win it again. Why not?

"There is no reason, with the way we at playing, that we can't. We have now won five games in a row and we are sharing the goals around. The tie is not over yet but we are confident. Playing on 4G pitches seems to suit us."

Rose is targeting a strong end to the season, adding: "I want us to make the top four and reach two cup finals.

"We face Leeds Maccabi and Haroldeans next in the league and that will be a test of whether can do so."