Round 3 started with an important fixture between Saipan FC and Scandittack FC. The Irish team had 1 win and 1 loss to their name but if they could put another tick in the win column they would force a 3-way tie at the top of Group C.

For Scandittack FC any kind of positive result would put them top but a win would really put pressure on Hasanheide Hotspur. The game ebbed and flowed and both defences were on top – we reached half-time at 0-0.

The two teams looked evenly matched and as the referee's watched ticked on the game looked to be heading for a draw. You've often heard in tight games that the match will be decided by a mistake or a piece of brilliance. Well this was neither – there was a third way – a piece of good/bad luck depending upon which side of the fence you sit.

Admittedly Scandittack FC had their part to play in the goal and forced the luck to go with them. Michael Kunde drilled in a corner flat and hard. Before he could react, the ball ricocheted off the unfortunate Jonny Royds and sneaked in the near post to beat Richie Magnier in goal. It turned out to be the only goal in the game and was an unlucky way for Saipan FC to lose it.

Scandittack FC's progress marched on though as they now had 3 wins from 3 games.

The next scheduled fixture was SLFN X versus Moorsie's Marvels. Both teams had stuggled a little so far today but with another game to come after this a good result here could well change their fortunes for the day.

The first half in this game arguably produced the loudest cheer of the day as Tony Gwynne scored for the Marvels and then promptly disappeared under a sea of yellow and blue shirts. When he emerged the game kicked off and Moorsie's Marvels retained their lead until the break.

The pressure was on SLFN X now to find something from the game. This match could well go a long way to deciding who would be in the Plate and who would be in the Wooden Spoon in this afternoon's knockout phase. Taurean Bryan's second goal in as many games put SLFN X back on level terms in the second period and at 1-1 the game was there for the taking….for either side.

Momentum was with SLFN X though and they went on to take the lead through Sam Laidler. It was to be the last goal of the game and SLFN X had pulled out a vital victory. Moorsie's Marvels were so close to glory….so close.

There were still two teams in Group C with a 100% record – Scandittack FC 3 wins from 3 games and Hasanheide Hotspur 2 wins from 2 games. They met in a top of the table clash in our next fixture.

For Scandittack FC it was a final game to flex their muscle and a win would assure them the Group C title. A draw would keep things going down to the wire and a defeat would leave Hasanheide Hotspur needing just a point from their final game to win the title for themselves.

We expected a close game but instead Hasanheide Hotspur surged into a 3-0 lead. Gareth Joyce put Hotspur ahead before Richie Hanley's 4th and 5th of the day put them in charge. It was a breath-taking start to the game and Scandittack FC were unable to respond. After the interval they did responds through Daud Zulfacar but the damage had already been done. There was not enough time left to complete a comeback and Hasanheide Hotspur completed the 3-1 win.

The result did mean that both teams would be playing Cup football this afternoon.

Saipan FC had started the day well with a win before two defeats. All games had been won/lost by the odd goal and they missed out on points in the last game in cruel fashion. Moorsie's Marvels were still looking for their first points but performances and results were certainly on an upward curve 11-0, 8-0 and 2-1 last time.

That upward curve was to hit a ceiling and fall back down to the second rung of the ladder though as Saipan FC found their shooting boots. They were helped on their way with an own goal but then two quick solo goals from Julian Cornelius put them in control at 3-0 before Beat Schiffhauer made it 4-0.

Jonny Royds earned some form of redemption from the last game with his second of the day for 5-0 before a late double from Cormac McLoughlin sealed a 7-0 win. It was a result that would send Saipan FC into the Plate Quarter-Finals with the wind in their sails. For Moorsie's Marvels the Wooden Spoon play-offs awaited them after the lunch break.

So, all that left us with SLFN X against Hasanheide Hotspur to end proceedings in Group C. SLFN X had a free game in a sense as they could finish no worse than 4th and an 8-goal win to dislodge Saipan FC in third seemed unlikely. Hasanheide Hotspur needed just a draw to clinch the Group C title. In 2012 they won Group A unbeaten and a repeat of that in Group C in 2013 would be just what the doctor ordered.

It was a spirited performance from SLFN X who put Hasanheide Hotspur through their paces and made the Berlin-based team work very hard to get anything from this game. Ultimately a goal in each half from Richie Hanley and then Gareth Joyce sealed a 2-0 victory and completed a fine morning's work from Hasanheide Hotspur.

SLFN X would progress to the Plate and meet the 3rd placed team in Group D….whoever that may be.