The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force rolled into the TTFF FA Trophy quarter-final round after a comfortable 6-1 win over Northern Football Association representatives, Queen's Park Cricket Club (QPCC) yesterday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain.
Despite the lopsided result, both coaches had reason to be pleased with the performance of their respective teams.
The "Parkites", who employed a 5-3-2 system looked an organised bunch who tried to stroke the ball around whenever they could.
But they could not match the ball movement and sharpness of their Pro League opponents.
Jerwin Balthazar put the Regiment ahead in the 13th minute while Devon Jorsling banged home after a Chris Durity free kick in the 38th minute. Adventurous Army left back Michael Edwards slipped the ball through the opposing goalkeeper Jason Sheppard's legs for a third in the 42nd minute before QPCC responded on the stroke of halftime.
Defence Force failed to clear a Colm de Freitas corner kick and QPCC left back Stuart Rostant produced a composed finish in the far corner from inside the penalty area.
QPCC coach Geoffrey Wharton-Lake made a triple substitution in the 60th minute with retired St Ann's Rangers playmaker Ricardo Aleong among his introductions. But they never looked like adding to Rostant's item.
Instead, normal service resumed for Defence Force as Christian Baptiste restored their three advantage with a low right footer from on top the opposition's penalty area in the 64th minute.
A deflected Durity free kick in the 78th minute and a close ranged finish from substitute Kevin Joseph sealed the rout.
It is likely to get more difficult for Defence Force from here on.