TREBLE-CHASING Eastern became the first club to book their place in the semi-finals of the Esso FA Cup by beating Football Club 3-0 at Mongkok Stadium last night.
In the first match of a double-header, an under-strength Eastern were frustrated for long spells by a well-organised Club defence but there was still too much quality in their side.
Having won the First Division championship and the Challenge Shield this season, Eastern can now look forward to an FA Cup semi-final tie against Kui Tan or Voicelink at the Hong Kong Stadium on Sunday, May 1.
Eastern, missing left-winger Ross Greer and midfielder Tam Siu-wai through suspension from their attack, had to wait until the 37th minute to score.
When right-winger Lo Kai-wah knocked over a deep cross from the by-line, Dale Tempest jumped well to head the ball down into the path of left-winger Cheung Kam-wa, who shot past Club 'keeper Andy Roseburgh.
Tempest, however, was given little chance to shine by his 17-year-old man-marker, Alistair Roseburgh, who had a fine game in the heart of a five-strong defence.