Shaun Goater and Manchester City gave Birmingham six of the best last night as they romped to victory in the Worthington Cup.

The Blues beat their Division One rivals 6-0 at Maine Road with the Bermudian striker netting one, while his partner up front Darren Huckerby banged in four! The other score came as the result of an own goal by Tresor Luntala.

City cashed in on their early dominance with an 11th minute opening strike from Huckerby. Goater's initial shot took a rebound off Nicky Eaden before the Islander stroked the ball to Huckerby, free on the left, and the striker drove the ball home for his second goal of the season.

Four minutes later the goalscorer was instrumental in City's second, his pace taking him through the visitors' midfield to set up Danny Tiatto on a scorching run down the left flank.

His final shot from an obtuse angle took a deflection off Luntala and 'keeper Nico Vaesen was left helpless on the ground as the ball skidded off his hand and into the net.

In the 20th minute Goater saw Vaesen save brilliantly from a blistering shot on the edge of the area as City's approach work once again cracked open the Birmingham rearguard.

But five minutes later they could do nothing to prevent Huckerby grabbing his second. He prised open the defence with a neat passing move with Ali Benarbia before driving the ball past the 'keeper.

In the 53rd minute Goater stroked home City's fourth after Tiatto's persistence on the edge of the area paid off.

The Australian passed the ball to Huckerby inside the area who squared unselfishly to Goater unmarked six yards out and he made no mistake.

In the 81st minute Huckerby claimed his hat-trick. Goater provided the flick on, and the striker's pace took him into the penalty area and he smashed the ball under the body of Vaesen.

Huckerby got his fourth in the last minute when he went round the keeper to slot the ball home.