The afternoon knock-out phase of the 2012 Algarve Open began with the Plate Quarter-Finals. First up was Dark Horses versus RS Ocean Village FC on Pitch A. We must confess it was a surprise to see the Dark Horses compete in the Plate given the quality they possess and their form in the 2011 Prague Masters where they missed out on the Cup Final only on penalties. They also boasted a Plate Final win in the 2010 Amsterdam Fives and had the 2010 Amsterdam top goalscorer (Richard Walker) and 2011 Prague Masters top goalscorer (Chris Bunclark) in their squad.

It was therefore going to be a big task for RS Ocean Village FC who jumped into the Plate Quarter-Finals courtesy of Apsley House's resignation following the completion of Group B.

It was first blood Dark Horses when the aforementioned Bunclark gave his team a first-half lead. Richard Walker was then on target after the break to give the Dark Horses a 2-0 lead. It was Walker's 6th goal of the day and another Top Goalscorer award was within his sights.

The game finished 2-0 and Dark Horses were through to the Semi-Finals. It was the end of the day sadly for RS Ocean Village FC who we would like to thank for supporting our Algarve Open tournament again and hope to see them all on tour again next season.

The second quarter-final was an intriguing affair as CFC B of France met Deportivo Dooradoyle of Ireland. It was going to be a tough call to pick a winner as CFC B started the day with a win but had slipped to 3 successive defeats afterwards. Deportivo Dooradoyle's form had been up and down with a win and a draw (against a strong Olhanense team) and a narrow defeat against a strong ManDem United team. You could say the Irish were slight favourites but it really was a tough one to call. We couldn't wait for the action to unfold.

With the game underway it was Pierre Gougeon who claimed the opening goal of the game giving a vital lead to the French team. It was a lead they would hold until the interval. Deportivo Dooradoyle had one half of football left to keep their challenge for Algarve glory alive. Inevitably they would leave chances as they pushed for an equalizer and CFC B took full advantage when Yacine Yacoubi made it 2-0.

The goal settled the result and CFC B would progress. It was the end of the road for Deportivo Dooradoyle on the Portuguese football fields for 2012…..although we would still see them in action on the pool table at the post-tournament social!

Quarter-Final 3 would be contested by Goals Aloud and Bede FC Goals Aloud had been here before but would have unhappy memories of their 2011 Amsterdam Fives Quarter-Final clash when they went down 3-2 to Deportivo Dooradoyle. Could they go further this time round. For Bede FC it was new territory being in the Plate.

At half-time we were none the wiser as to who would progress as honours were even, 1-1, thanks to goals from Sion Williams (Goals Aloud) and Rich Hollis (Bede FC). If we ended in a draw we would go to Golden Goal extra time and possibly penalties but that would not be necessary as the second half yielded a winning goal. The hero of the hour was Stephen Ollier who sent Goals Aloud into the Semi-Final draw with the winning strike.

Bede FC had drawn a tough group and lost out narrowly in the Quarter-Finals. We are sure there will be more successful tours for them in the future.

The final Plate Quarter-Final would be contested by Contejus Hurricanes and Bore Off United. Contejus Hurricanes had enjoyed a stronger second half to their group performances and were on a bit of a roll. They were on a run of two wins out of two and eager to make it three in a row to see them into the Semi-Finals.

It would not be easy against Bore Off United who had made the Cup in previous tournaments although today had not been their day – thus far. That could all change in an instant and one win now could ignite a run to the Final and glory.

It seemed there was no stopping Contejus Hurricanes though as Chris Agathanelou scoring his 4th goal in 3 games to give his team the lead. Joe Latimer quickly followed that with his 3rd goal in as many games and the Hurricanes were in charge.

Forgive the weather pun but it was a whirlwind of a first half for the Hurricans and if they could hold their nerve they were through. Martin Weltman made it 3-0 in the second period and the job was pretty much done. The Hurricanes had secured their 3rd victory in a row and were on the charge.

It was a below par day for Bore Off United who we know can, and have, produced better results in our tournaments. We look forward to them bouncing back with a vengeance in the future.