MFK Skalica avoided any Slovak Cup upset with a confident 4-1 victory at Fomat Martin, showing the gulf in class between a professional outfit and their lower-league hosts. The visitors made their quality count on Wednesday evening, scoring four times on the road to progress comfortably to the next stage of the competition.

Fomat Martin, competing for local pride and a rare chance to test themselves against a side from the higher echelons of Slovak football, started brightly and briefly threatened to make it an uncomfortable night for Skalica. However, once the away side found their rhythm, the tie quickly slipped away from the hosts.

Clinical Skalica make their class count

Skalica's attacking unit was sharp and unforgiving, taking advantage of the space left behind Martin's stretched midfield. Their goals came from a mixture of quick counter-attacks and composed finishing inside the box. For the home supporters, there was at least a spell of pressure just after the break that produced a consolation goal, but by then Skalica had already built a lead that Fomat Martin were never going to overturn.

The away side's experience in handling knockout pressure was evident throughout. They refused to allow the underdogs to build any sustained momentum and responded almost immediately every time Martin began to gain confidence.

Cup run continues for Skalica

The result keeps Skalica moving in the Slovak Cup and offers a welcome boost ahead of their league campaign. For Fomat Martin, the elimination ends a memorable cup journey in which they had already exceeded expectations by reaching the round of 32. In the end, the scoreline reflected the difference in resources and playing level, but the hosts could still take pride from their effort in front of a supportive crowd.

Skalica will now look ahead to the next draw, hoping to continue their progress in one of Slovakia's most unpredictable cup competitions.