Rampant Oxford City breezed through to the first round proper of the FA Trophywhen thrashing Ryman League Premier Division strugglers Lewes 6-1 on Saturday, writes Matthew Bruce.
The Vanarama Conference side flew out of the box with three goals in the first 14 minutes.
Two headers from Alejandro-Adrian Santiago, as well as efforts from Felipe Barcelos, Adi Yussuf, Kynan Isaac and Declan Benjamin gave City an easy victory.
Nick Wheeler’s strike just before half-time was all the visitors could muster in reply.
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Lewes came to Marsh Lane looking to attack their hosts, but left themselves dangerously open at the back, which was ruthlessly exploited by the home side.
Barcelos was first to take advantage after seven minutes, tapping in from close range after Yussuf had drilled a ball across goal.
Yussuf was next to strike, outmuscling his marker to get on the end of a long ball and fire home from point blank range.
Santiago made it 3-0 after just 14 minutes as he rose to head in a corner.
The visitors were reeling and could have found themselves even further behind if City had taken their chances.
Barcelos missed the opportunity to double his tally when clean through as his casual shot was palmed away by goalkeeper Rikki Banks.
That sparked a Lewes break as Wheeler found himself in acres of space on the left flank, running unchallenged from his own half before cutting inside and curling a shot into the far corner.
Any hopes the visitors harboured of a comeback were swiftly ended as Santiago headed in his second just six minutes into the second half.
The hosts eased off after that point, but rarely looked troubled by their dispirited opponents.
Substitute Benjamin was called upon to keep out an Ollie Rowe shot on the line, but it was City who would finish with a flourish.
Isaac netted four minutes from time after a well-worked move on the left and Benjamin fired in a sixth from the edge of the area shortly before the end.
Oxford City: De La Cruz, Henderson (Benjamin 75), Stonehouse, Del Alamo, Lapoujade, Santiago, Barcelos, Fofana, Yussuf (Wilson 66), Rodriguez (Isaac 66), Winters. Subs not used: Pond, Scott.
Attendance: 162.
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