Hearts rout Elmina Sharks in FA Cup

Accra Hearts of Oak recorded their highest scoreline in the 2011/12 soccer season when they routed Elmina Sharks 4-1 in the round of 16 FA Cup competition at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Hearts opened the scores in the 5th minute through a penalty converted by their 'defence general' George Osei Bonsu and had youngster Ashietey Ollenu increasing the tally in the 12th minute.

Even though Sharks exhibited an impressive performance, Hearts seemed to be more experienced with the likes of Laryea Kingston serving as the pivot of the team with series of accurate passes from the midfield to the striking force up front.

Sharks however managed to go beyond the experienced Hearts defenders to reduce the scores in the 18th minute with Fumado Asiwome, but it seemed a fluke as the goal rather infuriated the Phobians to probe for more goals.

The Premier League side quickly reorganized themselves and scored two quick goals in the 28th minute and 33rd minutes through Mahatma Otoo and Uriah Asante with Kingston aiding the two goals.

For many fans at the stadium, the first half scoreline was an indication of a bumper harvest but it turned out to be a barren second half though substitute Isaac Ofori on two occasions could have made that wish a reality with two begging chances in the 66th and 83rd minute but hesitated when it mattered most.

With the convincing victory, Hearts have thus secured qualification to the quarter finals stage of the competition which coach Charles Kobina Akunnor has set eyes on to appease the Phobian faithful fans to grab a silver ware this season after missing out on the Premeir league trophy to arch-rivals Asante Kotoko.**