Up next on Pitch C was the encounter between Chorltonians AFC Vets and Mini FC. Before today, Mini FC had a hugely impressive record in the opening group phase of our tournaments. It read:

2014: Won 4, Drawn 1, Lost 0. For 9, Against 2. 13 points (1st position)

2015: Won 4, Drawn 0, Lost 1. For 10, Against 2. 12 points (1st position)

2016: Won 3, Drawn 1, Lost 0. For 6, Against 1. 10 points (1st position)

Total: Won 11, Drawn 2, Lost 1. For 25, Against 5. 35 points.

So far today they had another 4 wins, another 11 goals and another 12 points – all for just the expense of a solitary goal conceded. That was the size of the task facing Chorltonians AFC Vets – could they produce a sensational result?

It was a good performance from the English team given the strength of their opposition but it was not enough to leave them empty handed at the full-time whistle. Binlo and Braulio each scored their third goals of the tournament to wrap up a 2-0 win as Mini FC marched on.

Game 14 in Group A saw FC Miracle host WEEDS Colts. With Mini FC seemingly heading for the Group A title, this was essentially the battle for who would join the Portuguese team in the afternoon Cup competition. WEEDS Colts currently enjoyed a 3 point lead over FC Miracle.

FC Miracle made their first attempt at our Veterans Tournament when they appeared at our first late Summer Vets event in Lisbon last September. They won 4 and lost 1 game in Group A as they were 1 of 3 teams to finish level on 12 points. Their goal difference saw them win the group. A 4-0 win over FLX saw them reach another Cup Final. They missed out on the trophy as they lost 5-2 to Talhos Mariete. There was consolation for Laszlo Zsolt who was the top scorer on the day with 16 goals.

FC Miracle won this game against WEEDS Colts to keep their hopes of a second Veterans Cup Final alive. Zoltan Toth's fourth goal of the tournament gave FC Miracle a 1-0 lead and saw them move level on points with WEEDS Colts. Goal difference meant the Hungarian team climbed above their opponents into second place.

The final game in Round 5 of Group A would have been The Warriors versus Bombeiros Faro. It was time for The Warriors to collect their 3-0 walkover. It saw them in mid-table, fourth position.