Hamilton Parish 1 Somerset Trojans 3

Somerset Trojans successfully avoided an in-form Dandy Town in the semi-finals of the Dudley Eve Trophy by finishing top of group B.

The west-enders cruised to a comfortable victory in the first match of a double-header at Police Field on Saturday against a disjointed Parish side that seemed lacking in cohesion without the suspended Chris Caisey pulling their proverbial strings in midfield.

Damon Swan handed Trojans an early lead with a crisp strike from just inside the area to set the tone for what was a one-sided encounter, played in scorching heat in the middle of the afternoon.

With Parish offering little going forward, the only surprise was that it took Trojans as long as the 41st minute to double their lead when Trevin Ming, their captain, crashed home from the edge of the area after a corner had been only partially cleared.

Moments later, Somerset, who drew 2-2 with North Village Rams in their opening game of the competition, added a third in slightly fortuitous fashion when Tahj Wade’s mis-hit cross looped into the net,

Parish did at least manage to register a goal when substitute Macquille Walker headed home from close range in the 83rd minute.

Ming, who missed the Village game because of suspension, said that his team could reflect on a job well done. “I missed the last game so I definitely I wanted to get the defence back in order, as we were sloppy in our last game,” he said. “The main thing was to put this game away early, as it was hot out there and now we can look to the next phase.

“It was nice to get on the scoresheet; I just want to help the team any way I can.”