A FIRED-UP Haydon Bridge side roared into the final of the SCA Hygiene Division One Knock-Out Cup, with a ruthless destruction of Ryton.

The one-sided semi-final, on Sunday, was no surprise given Anchor's impressive form, which has seen them reach the heights of second in the league table.

But Ryton, promoted alongside bridge last term, never looked likely to threaten the host's progress in the cup competition from the word go.

A hat-trick from Dan Alexander, bullet headers from Paul Wilson and Mark Elliott, and an own goal saw off the Tynesiders within the first 60 minutes.

Kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes because some of Ryton's players hadn't arrived at Haydon Bridge, a renowned semi-final venue, in time for the 10.30am start.

The hosts, fresh from an extended warm-up, capitalised on the visitors' lack of preparation, and took the lead in the second minute, after the predatory Alexander latched onto a loose ball in the box, and scuffed a low shot into the bottom corner from eight yards.

Bridge quickly got into their stride, with winger David Hall opening up the visitors down the left, and providing ammunition for Alexander and fellow frontman, Kieran Robley.

Imposing midfielder Mark Elliott turned powerfully, and shot over the bar from 18 yards on five minutes.

Shortly afterwards, an intelligent through-ball from Steven Kirsopp sent Alexander through the inside-right channel, forcing a sliding tackle from visiting left-back, Lewis March.

Despite Haydon's dominance, Ryton threatened to equalise on 10 minutes, when the onrushing Nathan Reed was thwarted by Bridge keeper Shaun Hepple.

Then Ryton's Craig Stobbs cut inside from the left, and fired into the side netting from 20 yards.

Bridge were soon on the attack again, however, and hit the left-hand post twice within five minutes.

First, Kirsopp had a shot deflected onto the upright from 10 yards, before Elliott hit a trademark low drive against the post from outside the area.

On the half hour mark, Wilson powerfully headed home a Hall corner from the right to make it 2-0.

Seven minutes later, Robley turned on the edge of the area and lobbed the ball over a defender into the path of Alexander, who slotted past the advancing keeper for 3-0.

Haydon Bridge made it 4-0 before half time, when another Hall corner was headed home, this time by Elliott.

The fifth came five minutes into the second half, courtesy of an own goal, and it wasn't long before Alexander completed his hat-trick.

Receiving the ball with his back to goal, the striker turned and found the bottom corner from 20-yards out, to complete the rout.

Ryton scored a consolation penalty from Chris Chapman, but could take few positives from a day to forget.

Their star performer was midfielder Jada James, who caused problems with his strength and composure on the ball.

Forwards Martin Smith and Nathan Reed caused a few problems on the counter attack, but the Bridge defence, marshalled by the experienced Gavin Boyd, held firm.

Kevin McDonald was industrious in midfield, while full-backs Paul Wilson, and especially Ryan Robley, were a threat on the overlap.

Teenager striker Dale Leadbitter added a physical presence when added to the Bridge attack late on.

Alexander will take the plaudits for a well-taken hat-trick, but Kieran Robley, who admitted "doing everything but score" afterwards, and the livewire Hall, will be equally satisfied with their performances.

The cup final will take place in April 15, although it's not yet known who Haydon Bridge's opponents will be.