RICHMOND Town got 2017 off to the best possible start as they cruised into the second round of The Monkwearmouth Charity Cup with a convincing 8-0 victory at Seaham Red Star Reserves.

Town were 2-0 up after only 10 minutes, Stephen Butterworth curling his shot into the top corner before Scott Ryan added a second after he beat the offside trap and converted Josh Knox’s through ball.

The home side had chances immediately after both goals through Michael Cooke, who fired across goal and then just failed to get a touch to a cross from Michael Bulmer.

The missed chances proved costly as it was one-way traffic from then on with Richmond adding two further goals before the break. Butterworth produced a pinpoint pass to Ryan who used his pace to get beyond the back line and cross for Ben Darville, who made no mistake before Ryan scored on the stroke of half time after good work by both Knox and Darville.

After 52 minutes Kalumn Holbrook scored the first of two in two minutes, then with 65 minutes played Town captain Ryan completed his hat-trick when he tapped home at the back post after Darville picked out the prolific front man. Both Colin Anderson and Chris Pattison went close before substitute Dan Caisley completed the scoring after 77 minutes when he fired home from 20 yards.

Red Star created a chance in the closing minutes, Nathan Greenwood’s volley going just over.

Richmond manager Chris Lax said: was delighted with his team’s performance saying“I couldn’t fault anybody out there today. The passing and movement was excellent considering we hadn’t played for almost a month.”

Town are back on the road this Saturday afternoon when they chase more silverware, with a Shipowners Cup quarter-final tie at Coxhoe (1.30pm).