A CALM and business-like approach from top dogs Eastern prevented underdogs Kui Tan from causing a major upset in the first semi-final of the Esso FA Cup at the Hong Kong Stadium yesterday.
Eastern, looking to win three of the four major trophies for the second season in succession, had too much quality for Kui Tan and ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.
Kui Tan did not go down without a fight, however, and felt hard done by when Derek Hunter's header was ruled offside in the 22nd minute with the score still at 0-0.
The architect of Eastern's win was skipper Lee Kin-wo, who played through the middle alongside Dale Tempest rather than out on the right wing.
He set up Eastern's first two goals and scored the third to put his side in their second final of the season, following their penalty shootout victory over Instant-Dict in the Challenge Shield final last December.
Kui Tan, who have relied on a solid defence and counter-attack all season, were caught on the break themselves in the 41st minute.