Jordan Hallam put on a show at Greenwich Avenue with a hattrick, and with Ethan Stewart, Tyler Dacres and Josh Barnes also getting in on the goals, it was a game to remember.

The Ambers started firmly in control as they kept intense pressure on the visitors in the opening stages, with good chances coming for both Dacres and Hallam, the latter who was only denied by a brilliant last minute tackle. Ultimately the impressive start by United was rewarded in the 18th minute, as a perfect chipped pass from Matt Thornhill played Hallam in again, and this time nobody could stop him as his first touch dragged the ball around the keeper and into the net for the 1-0.

Momentum stayed with United as it could’ve easily been two, but good defending and goalkeeping from Khalsa somehow kept the ball out of the net. The controlled chaos continued and eventually a free kick won by the Ambers near the edge of the box finally got them their second with the skipper involved again. The well worked set piece saw Thornhill’s pass arrive at the near post, with Stewart there for an easy header in the 34th minute.

Khalsa almost got back into the match moments later with a powerful shot from Andre Landell skimming the post with Saul Deeney outstretched. It was the best chance for the visitors however and United’s lead remained safe at the break.

Play resumed with Khalsa having much more of the ball than they had previously and put some pressure on the Basford defence, however once the Ambers found the room to break away, they did so in impressive fashion as a beautiful team effort saw Dacres and Chambers play a one two before the former struck the ball on the volley to get the third in the 55th minute.

Now in full control, the Ambers broke away again in the 63rd minute, as great work down the right again saw Chambers cross the ball into the unmarked Hallam in the box, who slotted the ball in calmly to get his second and United’s fourth.

Before any of the Khalsa defenders could breathe it was five, as Barnes got in on the act in the 67th minute as he made no mistake in the box. Extremely close chances from both Chambers and substitute Joe Uveges almost increased the scoreline, but the next goal came for the visitors as Isai Marseila gave them a consolation.

The Ambers remained ruthless and responded once again as Dacres wonderfully weaved through the Khalsa backline, capping it off with an assist as he delivered the ball to Hallam who launched the ball into the top corner in the 86th minute to complete his hattrick.
Full time followed shortly after to cap off a spectacular start to the Ambers’ FA Cup campaign, with the match-ball going home with their number 10.

ATT: 143

MOTM: Jordan Hallam

STARTING XI: Saul Deeney, Prince Mancinelli (Kacy Milan Butterfield, 71’), Henri Wilder, Josh Barnes, Victor Nirennold, Ethan Stewart, Tyler Dacres, Matt Thornhill (Joe Uveges, 46’), Rev James, Jordan Hallam, Ash Chambers

SUBS (Not used): Kane Richards, Nelson Aideyan, Harvey Ridgley, Kieran Preston, Tyrell Waite