We began Round 5 with the group perfectly set-up with intriguing battles at the top of the table and also at the bottom. First up we had BK Manskomplex versus Slugs FC.

BK Manskomplex could still reach the Plate but they had to win this match and hope Elstead Blue lost their final fixture against Cup-chasing The Zlatan Show. Sadly for Slugs FC we already knew this would be their last game. They could however leapfrog their opponents with a win in this game.

In a tightly contested match, BK Manskomplex emerged victorious with a hard-fought 1-0 win over their opponent. The lone goal of the game was scored by Mehdi Mohammadi in the first half, proving to be the decisive strike that secured all three points for BK Manskomplex. As the final whistle blew, BK Manskomplex celebrated their hard-fought 1-0 victory. The result not only earned them three crucial points but also highlighted their ability to hold on to a lead and secure a vital win which they had been unable to do in Rounds 2 and 3. Could it be the win that paves their path to the Plate? They would have to sit and wait but they had now done all they could.

For Slugs FC it was game over on the pitch at least. We'd like to thank them for attending and it was a joy to host them. With three significant injuries leading into the tournament for a squad of 7 we didn't get to see them at full power on this occasion but hopefully when they return they'll have a fully fit squad and demonstrate a true reflection of their ability.

To conclude Group A we had Elstead Blue versus The Zlatan Show. This was the key game of Round 5 effecting matters at the top and foot of the table with the fortunes of no less than 5 teams effected potentially by the result of this game.

For Elstead Blue, they had just seen BK Manskomplex leap above them in the table into the final Plate qualification place. A win here would secure fourth for the English team. A draw would also be good enough given their goal difference. However, if they lost then BK Manskomplex would reach the Plate at their expense.

The Zlatan Show were currently in third place but knew a win would guarantee them a place in the top two.

Both teams had their fate in their own hands and at half-time they would have been nervous as they were locked together at 0-0. Fin Turner (Elstead Blue) and Brain Falco (The Zlatan Show) goals cancelled each other out. Could either team force a winner in the second half. The Zlatan Show needed it more. Cometh the hour, cometh the man and that man was Rodri Represa who scored the second half winner that ensured the Dutch team would be playing Cup football this afternoon. The goal must have been cheered by BK Manskomplex too as it earned them a place in the Plate.

For Elstead Blue it was a bitter pill to swallow. They'd come so close to making it through just to be denied at the end. They still had involvement in this tournament though with Elstead Reds in Group B.