NATHAN Rivers knew the pressure was on to beat Pegasus Juniors in the HFA Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.

The Westfields number two stepped into the hotseat due to Sean Edwards being ill.

And he was rewarded with a fine second-half display that saw 'Fields destroy their city rivals 5-0.

"I was very nervous, we haven't lost in this competition for four years," said Rivers.

"I knew I would be having it on my watch so it's a bit nerve-wracking, but I've got a great teacher in Sean .

"To have a result like that when in charge is very satisfying."

The result was harsh on Pegasus, who matched Westfields in the first half.

But it was the allpay.park side who went into the break in the lead after Joel Edwards when he powerfully headed home Craig Jones' corner in the 40th minute.

Tom Boyle added a second in the 63rd minute before Zak Sirrell's effort was too hot to handle for Pegasus keeper Nathan Phillips with 15 minutes to go.

Westfields then upped a gear and scored two further goals to comfortably win the game.

Jamie Cuss swept home the fourth after being set up by Jones before Sirrell grabbed his second goal of the game eight minutes from time.

Pegasus manager Chris Hyde knew his team faced a big challenge, but acknowledged that Westfields keeper Matt Gwynne could have been sent off in the first half for handling outside the area, which may have changed the outcome of the game.

"I expected the result to be honest," he said.

"I have had a terrible list of injuries and players being unavailable, but that is not me making excuses.

"Before the game, the team talk was about us having a slim chance of winning.

"So if their goalkeeper had been sent off, then that slim chance would have become bigger."