In a thrilling encounter at Shek Kip Mei Park on Friday (March 14), Kitchee demonstrated their dominance with a commanding 5:1 victory over Eastern in the Hong Kong Premier Youth League U18 (Championship Group Rd.2) clash.

The match burst into life early as Eastern launched an aggressive offensive campaign. Kitchee defense faced early pressure when, in the 6th minute, a defensive blunder allowed Eastern's Liu Tsz Kiu to unleash a shot from an acute angle, only to be denied by Kitchee's alert goalkeeper Shek Tuscany.

The attacking momentum continued as Eastern orchestrated another promising move. Cheung Cheuk Nam delivered an inch-perfect cross from the right flank, finding Leung Tsz Hin lurking at the far post, but his attempted volley sailed over the crossbar.

Kitchee weathered the early storm and drew first blood in the 10th minute. Chen Tao carved open Eastern's defense with a defense-splitting through ball, allowing the unmarked Cheung You Hin to clinically slot home the opener, making it 1:0.

Kitchee continued to assert their authority in the 15th minute. Lo Chun Hei whipped in a dangerous cross from the left wing, with Poon Wing Kei's powerful header forcing a spectacular save from the goalkeeper.

Kitchee's fluid attacking play was on full display moments later. Chen Tao orchestrated another brilliant move, rounding the keeper before attempting to find a teammate, but Eastern's desperate clearance fell to Li Siu Hin, whose first-time volley was expertly parried away.

Kitchee doubled their advantage in the 25th minute through a piece of brilliant pressing. Yiu Tsz Leong's tenacious work won possession high up the pitch before finding Cheung Yiu Hin, who coolly dispatched his second of the evening.

Eastern nearly clawed one back when Leung Tsz Hin found himself clean through on goal following Gao Ming Ho's precise through ball, but hesitation proved costly. Leung Tsz Hin had another opportunity in the 33rd minute, unleashing a powerful drive that the goalkeeper expertly dealt with.

Kitchee's relentless pressure paid dividends in the 37th minute. After Li Siu Hin's initial effort was saved, Yiu Tsz Leong rose highest to meet a right-wing cross, powering home a header to make it 3:0.

The first half action concluded with Chen Tao rattling the woodwork, his header from Pang Hing Lun's precise delivery deserving better.

Kitchee took a commanding 3:0 lead into the interval.

Eastern emerged from the break with renewed determination. Siu Ching attempted to reduce the deficit with an ambitious free-kick that whistled wide in the 48th minute, before Cheung Cheuk Nam squandered a golden opportunity, heading over from close range following Siu Ching's pinpoint corner.

Kitchee punished Eastern's profligacy in the 55th minute. Li Siu Hin's precise delivery from the left found Yiu Tsz Leong, who showed predatory instincts to convert the rebound after his initial effort was saved.

Eastern finally breached Kitchee's defensive fortress in the 71st minute through a well-worked move. Siu Ching combined brilliantly with Lin Long Tik before coolly slotting past the advancing keeper.

The Eastern outfit nearly grabbed a second consolation in the 76th minute when Lin Long Tik's spectacular long-range effort from a short corner routine crashed against the crossbar.

Kitchee put the finishing touches on a masterclass performance when Yiu Tsz Leong exhibited sublime skill to beat his marker before delivering a perfect cross for Ng Tsz Long to tap home from close range.

The final whistle confirmed Kitchee's emphatic 5:1 triumph, securing all three points.