Glethorne United B started the season in sensational form with an 8-0 demolition of Catford.
A RICHARD ROSENTHAL treble helped the Thornes get their campaign off to an flying start, with new signings Craig Sandford (2), Lewis Walker (2) and Andy Levy completed the rout.
The new management team of Sam Rosenthal and Sandford must have been delighted with the start the team made, slick passing and great organisation and confidence soon paying dividends when captain James Law picked out a Walker, run with a long ball, and the former Redbridge Jewish Care A striker beautifully caressed the ball down on his chest before slotting past the keeper.
Law added another assist picking out player/manager Sandford with another through ball for the striker to trick the keeper with a few Ronaldo-esq shimmies before slotting home.
Sandford and Walker could have both added a few more goals to their tallies, but the post denied them on several occasions. Another Sandford goal followed leaving the thornes 3-0 up at half time.
The second half was the same one-way traffic. The discipline and confident passing moves were too much for the opposition to cope with and soon enough the floodgates opened.
Rosenthal, who had a very solid first half as a holding midfielder alongside Dan 'the Beast' Lassman, then got in on the act with a left foot volley before unleashing a sumptuous whipping dipping effort from all of 30 yards to leave the unfortunate keeper helpless.
He completed his hat-trick with a simple finish after good work by James Rubin. Levy, who deserved a goal for his tireless running and attacking wing play, got in on the act, nodding in a Rubin corner.
Lassman smashed the bar with a ferocious strike after a great run that left three defenders for dead and Walker added his deserved second of the day with a tap in late on.
A mention to the defence must be made. Adam Shafron, Simon Bagel and Adam Bernstein were fantastic all game long and kept complete control at the back.
Sandford told JC Sport: "It was thoroughly enjoyable to be involved in. Supersubs Michael Winehouse and Sam 'the Anchor' Rank both did very well when coming on with half an hour to go.
"All in all a fantastic start for Glenthorne today with the defence looking extremely solid, Mitchel Ross having no work to do all day. The midfield worked tirelessly and created some sexy passing moves Barcelona would be proud of. The strike force of Walker and Sandford will guarantee plenty of goals. It can only mean good things are coming the Thornes way this season."
Cats joint-manager Adam Lewis confidently predicted: "Glenthorne will win the division. I can't see anyone in the third division living with them."
