A hat-trick from Fabio Rivieccio eased Premier Division Glenthorne United A into the third round of the Peter Morrison Trophy as they thrashed Division Four new boys East London Knights in the Essex derby at Wanstead Flats.
The Thornes dominated from start to finish as they produced a professional display and it took just three minutes to take the lead. Home striker Jamie Shaw was brought down by Marc Pollack in the area. He dusted himself down before confidently rifling home from 12 yards.
The hosts outclassed the Knights in every department and doubled their lead five minutes later. The move was started by the returning Jamie Cooper who produced and inch-perfect through ball into the path of Shaw. He unselfishly squared to Fabio Rivieccio who slotted into the bottom corner.
The Knights continued to fight however, the likes of Craig Mervish, Neil Zeff and Robert Donn kept things solid at the back leaving Daniel Lee in the Thornes goal struggling to stay warm in the freezing conditions.
It became mission impossible for the visitors on the half hour mark as a Josh Cohen corner was superbly headed home by Robert Donn.
Knights’ player-manager James Ryan came close to getting a goal back on the stroke of half time but skied his effort from close range.
The Thornes made sure of their place in the third round early in the second half as Rivieccio got the better of John Labi in the Knight’s goal and tapped home. Daniel Cooper added a fifth, tapping into the corner after great work from Josh Cohen and Daniel Lassman before Rivieccio completed the drought with his third.
Glenthorne manager Ian Cohen reflected: "We did what we had to do today, but credit to the Knights who battled hard. Our class showed in the end.
"We would like a nice cup run because I think it gives you something slightly different to aim for."
Knights’ midfielder Michael Konzon said: "We had some chances but the scoreline was a fair reflection. Glenthorne are a good team so I think we can hold our heads up high. Realistically I don’t think we ever expected to win the game, but I thought we put in a great display."
Glenthorne Utd A: Lee 7, Shamplina 7, Donn 7, Mervish 7, J. Cooper 7 (sub: D. Cooper 7), Zeff 7, Lassman 7, J. Cohen 7, Shaw 8, Rivieccio 9
EL Knights: Labi 6, Curtis 6, Franklin 5 (sub: Marks 5), Pollack 6, West 5 (sub: Winehouse 5), Danan 6, Sanders 5, Konzon 6, Clements 6, Ryan 6, Bell 5
JC star man: Jamie Shaw & Fabio Rivieccio (Glenthorne Utd A)
To get more from Life, click here to sign up for our free Life newsletter.