HIGHLANDS United coach Brian Hollywood was a happy man after seeing his goal-hungry side slam eight goals without reply against hapless Ruse at the weekend.

After criticising his side for their poor finishing against Boambee the previous Saturday, Hollywood could have no complaints this time as his players put Ruse to the slaughter with a clinical second half display.

Leading 1-0 at the break through a 36th minute Chris Spilarewicz goal, United added seven more in the second half in just 34 minutes of football.

The prolific Spilarewicz netted four of the goals with 18-year-old John Friedwald also bagging a hat trick.

In truth, it could, and should, have been more with United guilty of squandering a host of first half chances.

The lively David Reeves also struck a post and had a header cleared off the line while Spilarewicz rattled the cross bar with a thumping drive in the second half.

Rod Eagleton added the second on 52 minutes and Friedwald got the third on 58 before Ruse shot themselves in the foot by losing a player for two bookable offences.

A rampant United put the 10-men to the sword as Spilarewicz completed his hat trick with goals after 66 and 68 minutes, Friedwald emulating him on 73 and 78 before Spilarewicz completed the scoring with his fourth four minutes from time.

Despite watching his goal-crazy side enjoy one of their most prolific afternoons, Hollywood insisted that his side have played better this season and lost.

"I'm pleased that we showed what good football we can play today," he said.

"We did miss a few chances in the first half, and for one minute, I thought we might have a repeat of last weekend.

"I thought they (Ruse) were still in it for a time with ten-men, but by the end it could have been a lot more."

Hollywood praised the performance of young John Friedwald, who looked extremely lively on the right flank and neatly took all three of his goals.

"I'm delighted with the way we finished today and John's performance as an 18-year-old augurs well for the future," he added.

"John and Chris (Spilarewicz) took their goals really well and with a touch of calmness, which is the sign of any good striker.

"We've got a tough game at Warilla next week but we're still unbeaten away from home and today's result can only act as a boost for confidence."