If Mini FC versus Belfast Space Monkeys was a big game in Round 4 then Ashtead Vets versus Belfast Space Monkeys was a huge one at the start of Round 5. Three points separated the top 3 but Ashtead Vets did have a game in hand – this game in hand would be against the other of the top triumvirate – Mini FC.

Going into the game, if Belfast Space Monkeys could avoid defeat they would secure a place in the Cup. If they could take victory then they would be assured of the Group A title. If Ashtead Vets could take victory then there would be just 1 point separating the top 3 and it would go down to the final game of Group A.

Belfast Space Monkeys were yet to concede today and if they could maintain that record for the duration of the game they would have achieved a remarkable feat of not conceding in the group phase – a rare occurrence in our tournaments. At half-time things were looking good but at the other end they were unable to breach the Ashtead Vets back line and we reached the half-way stage at 0-0.

0-0 at half-time became 0-0 at full-time and honours were even. It meant, with Mini FC and Ashtead Vets to come that one, but crucially not both, could catch Belfast Space Monkeys and they had qualified for the Cup – well done to them. Ashtead Vets still had work to do.

Game 14 of Group A was the academic exercise of awarding Old Bromleians the 3-0 walkover against RTAlgarve.

The 15th and final game of Group A was Ashtead Vets versus Mini FC. The English team had performed well on debut and were currently unbeaten with two wins and two draws. They found themselves a point behind Mini FC who, although suffering a defeat, had picked up the maximum 3 points in each of their other fixtures. What were the possibilities here:

Ashtead FC win: Any win would see them qualify for the Cup in the top two with Belfast Space Monkeys. A 2-goal win would also seem crowned Group A winners on goal difference.

A draw: A draw would see Belfast Space Monkeys as Group A champions on 11 points and Mini FC follow them into the Cup on 10 points.

Mini FC win: A Mini FC would see them win Group A and Belfast Space Monkeys qualify in 2 nd place

When we reached half-time we were no closer to a positive result either way as the teams were level 1-1. Matthew Fowkes scored his second of the day for Ashtead Vets, Paulo Aquino with the goal for the home team. After the break it was Mini FC who emerged victorious with another goal from Aquino and also Braulio getting in on the act.

The final score of 3-1 meant Mini FC were champions, Belfast Space Monkeys were through to the Cup and Ashtead Vets would have to settle for the Plate competition.