Devonshire Cougars started what they hope will be another successful cup run with a 3-0 win over Young Men’s Social Club at Devonshire Recreation Club yesterday.

Despite making six changes to the team that drew with PHC Zebras in midweek, Cougars were too strong for the First Division leaders. The home side took the lead in the eleventh minute through midfielder Zari Simmons from close range before two more goals in the second half saw them comfortably through to the quarter-finals.

Social Club were holding their own in the first half, although they were fortunate not to go a man down late in the first half when captain Mike Smith knocked Chamari Burns off his stride as he raced towards the penalty box after a long ball into the Social Club half.

Smith, booked a few minutes earlier, escaped with a stern warning from the referee.

Cougars were let off the hook in the 56th minute when a long ball into their box left Clay Darrell with only the goalkeeper Xyon Outerbridge-Smith to beat from eight yards, but he smashed his shot against the upright as Social Club were denied an equaliser. Cougars doubled their lead seven minutes later when Burns was sent through into the box before placing his shot inside goalkeeper Reid Trott’s near post.

Cougars, whose two FA Cup triumphs came in 2010 and 2013, wrapped up victory with a third goal in the 70th minute when Jawanday Smith headed home at the far post after a free kick.