Joel Ramos netted for east Londoners at Harry Abraham Stadium, but it was an evening to forget for Ade Abayomi’s young team

Tower Hamlets were given a lesson by Wingate & Finchley in the first round of the London Senior Cup last night.

Ade Abayomi’s team were beaten 8-1 at the Harry Abraham Stadium against a side from the Ryman Premier – two divisions above the Essex Senior League.

Wingate could have taken the lead inside 60 seconds when Billy Healey hit the crossbar from the edge of the area.

The same man was involved again three minutes later, but this time away custodian Jean Manata saved.

But eventually Healey did get on the scoresheet with 21 minutes played when he backheeled Rob Laney’s cross into the net.

It was 2-0 with half an hour gone when Healey smashed home after more good work from Laney.

Manata was beaten again in the 33rd minute when Hamlets failed to deal with a long ball and Rob Hastings chipped in.

The away goalkeeper impressed moments after when he produced an astonishing triple save.

First Manata denied Healey before stopping Hastings converting the rebound and finally thwarting Healey again.

But the Wingate forward was able to celebrate his hat-trick before half time when he slotted home after another Laney assist.

It was 4-0 at the break and already looking like being a long night for the Mile End Stadium club.

Tansheh Abrahams added a fifth for the hosts 10 minutes into the second half before Abayomi’s side responded.

Ruben Nasco spurned a great opportunity in the 64th minute when he received the ball in space, but fired wide.

Unfortunately Hamlets’ cause wasn’t helped soon after when they suffered an injury having already made three substitutions.

Despite having to play the remaining 20 minutes with a man less, they reduced the arrears in the 74th minute.

Joel Ramos sprinted through on goal before slotting home to make it 5-1 and then Wingate made the most of their numerical advantage.

Hastings intercepted a poor pass by Hamlets and slotted into the corner with 10 minutes left.

Reece Beckles-Richards got in on the act three minutes before full time when he tapped home a rebound after Manata had saved Hastings shot.

And then the north Londoners saved the best until last as Hastings volleyed in from 20-yards to complete his hat-trick and the scoring.

A difficult night for Hamlets and Abayomi, although a great experience nevertheless for the Essex Senior League club.

They have the weekend off now and don’t play again until Monday night when they host local rivals Clapton.