REAL MILAN dismantled FC Laleham 11-1 to earn an away victory and progress past the first round of the Ken Gomm Challenge Cup.

Following an impressive 5-1 win over Wycombe-based side and previous treble winners Trix FC, Milan made the long journey to Laleham, hoping for a contest that could also go the distance.

Unfortunately, any sign of competition fizzled out 10 minutes after kick-off. The away side were immediately able to sustain pressure for large periods of play, attacking from the first whistle.

The goals inevitably came thick, even keeper Hasan Hussain roamed up the pitch and grabbed two.

Almost as impressive was a brace from centre-back Matty Rey, deciding to make the most of his time without any significant defensive responsibility.

Cheyenne Cripps added to Laleham’s pain with the only hat trick of the game.

Although some consolation was salvaged through their single goal, Laleham were unable to cope with Milan or provide any real resistance, having also forfeited their last fixture.

At the forefront of many attacks was winger Nadir Shafi, scoring twice himself and creating at least three other goals.

Riccardo Cannon and Conrad Joseph also featured on the scoreboard, sealing what was always going to be an emphatic win.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Cheyenne Cripps (orange) scored a hat-trick for Real Milan in the 11-1 win against FC Laleham on Sunday.

Real Milan club secretary, Zufran Asghar, was pleased with the result but he expects tougher obstacles to come.

He told the Observer: “It was a shame that heads were down by the end of the game and that it turned in to an exhibition of sorts.

“We can still gain something from this kind of match. The players are feeling positive rather than frustrated.

“This is extra important as the next two games are huge for us and will potentially decide the fate of our season.”

For Asghar, the focus will certainly shift to the immediate future. The club are to host rivals FC Bentons this Sunday (10.30am), in an encounter that favoured Real Milan the last time the two sides met.

Following that is a second round clash in the County Sunday Intermediate Cup, this time playing away to Two Touch, a side that tends to win their own division convincingly.

Asghar believes these fixtures will test the depth of his side, but that Real will continue on track with the club’s ambition. He said: “The idea is to win every competition that we’re in, and every game we play this season.

“The games to come will certainly test our strength throughout the squad, but we have plenty of quality and remain confident moving forward.”