Johnston 0 Hakin United 5

The scoreline suggests that Hakin completely dominated this game against the team form the Second Division, but Johnston deserve credit for making it hard for the undisputed kings of local soccer.

From the outset they battled hard and refused to give the visitors an inch as the midfield of Gary James, Jamie Picton and Russell Murray all played well in closing the visitors down and distributing the ball for front runners Jim Payne and Mark Yea to utilise.

Both played well up front but it was Payne who caught the eye and his battle with ace defender Kristan Bennett was one to savour.

Naturally, Hakin had most of the possession but they couldnt find a way passed veteran keeper Steve James who was in inspired form between the sticks for Johnston until the last moments of the first half, when Andrew Postlethwaite was on hand to score from an Adi Haworth shot.

Johnston too had their chances as Murray shot over the bar and a few long-range efforts brought the best out of Jason Morgan.

Hakin started the second half in a more confident fashion but they couldnt grab another until 15 minutes into the second half when Postlethwaite slammed one in for his second.

Johnstons heads began to drop a little and as always Hakin went in for the kill. Paul Turner scored their third with a powerful right-footed shot while the fourth came from a powerful header by Bennett following a corner.

Confusion surrounds who scored the fifth goal although the official line is that it was scored by Haworth after Postlethwaite went for his hat-trick, but his attempt at by passing the keeper didnt have enough power in the shot and it was helped across the line by Haworth!

Despite the comprehensive scoreline, Vikings boss Chris Tansey was adamant that his side were in a tough game saying:

It was a typical blood and thunder cup tie, they competed well and we are just very pleased to get through.