Having had the walkover win in Round 2 it was now time for Belfast Space Monkeys to take to the field for the 2nd time today. It was 1st versus 4th at the start of Round 3 as their opponents would be Norton Old Boys. If Belfast Space Monkeys could claim victory they would open up a 3 point lead at the top of Group A (temporarily at least).

If Norton Old Boys could take victory they would move on to 4 points meaning just 2 points would separate the top 4 teams and they would be right in the mix. Norton Old Boys had taken a point in the last game and were on course for another as they took Belfast Space Monkeys into the break all level at 0-0. Whilst a draw is clearly better than defeat, in the context of the group Norton Old Boys would dearly love a victory. We often see in these tournaments teams that are rarely beaten but too many draws means stunted progress in the table and they fail to reach the Cup.

Norton Old Boys were looking like contenders for the tag of draw specialists as they finished this game 0-0. They had arguably played their two hardest games in the group so if they could capitalize on their remaining fixtures they could still go far in the tournament.

For Belfast Space Monkeys the draw was not the worst in the world as it moved them top of the table but Mini FC and Ashtead Vets were now in striking distance.

One of those teams, Ashtead Vets, would now be in action against Old Bromleians. Ashtead Vets needed a victory to join Belfast Space Monkeys on 7 points.

Old Bromleians were seeking out their first goal and first points of the tournaments and they achieved the former in the first half here as Mark Hyland found the back of the net. Matthew Fowkes opened his personal account for Ashtead Vets in the opening period and so we started the second half level at 1-1.

Roger Copsey established a lead for Ashtead Vets and they were on course for the win they wanted. A one goal lead is never quite safe so they'd have been delighted to see Martin Bully double their advantage and make it 3-1. The goal made the result and the points safe. Ashtead Vets were very much in the reckoning for Cup qualification on what was looking like becoming a 3 horse race.

Old Bromleians would remain in 5th position.

RT Algarve were next on the fixture list so it was walkover time. It was the turn of Mini FC to collect the 3-0 win and they currently lead the way on 9 points.