We began Round 5 with a lot to decide. There was only 2 points separating the top 4 and 5 teams with a chance (mathematically at least) of reaching the Cup competition.

The first two teams to state their case were AFC Blue Boys 2 and Las Zacaranas. AFC Blue Boys 2 could secure a place in the Cup with victory as 11 points would guarantee a top two finish. A draw would leave them sweating on other results whilst defeat would mean even more sweating but might still be enough subject to other results here (and it other groups should they finish third). It was the same story for Las Zacaranas although they started a point behind their opponents so should this game result in a draw/defeat their case would be weaker.

The only thing that mattered for now was this result. It would be an interesting approach for each team, would they risk defeat by going for victory? Would they take a draw? There was so much at stake. Ultimately, it was defences who were on top in this game. AFC Blue Boys 2 kept their third successive clean sheet but they also found the Las Zacaranas defence a tough nut to crack. Final score, 0-0.

The result left the table as follows:

AFC Blue Boys 2 P5 PTS9 (+6)

Lindfield FC A   P4 PTS8 (+10)

Las Zazaranas P5 PTS8 (+3)

Urbansport '22 P4 PTS6 (+7)

The final thing to wrap up Group A was Squirrel Squad FC versus Bayern Badonde. The draw between Las Zacaranas and AFC Blue Boys 2 ended Bayern Badonde's chances of Cup qualification. They knew they would be in the Plate this afternoon as they would finish 5th regardless of the result in this game. Similarly, Squirrel Squad FC knew they would be 6th regardless of the result in this fixture. However, a win would possibly put them into the Plate as the best 6th placed team subject to results in other groups. So, they still had much to play for to try and avoid the Wooden Spoon game.

Bayern Badonde's results had been a mixed bag so far with a great win over the 2018 champions but followed up with a heavy 8-1 defeat next time out. Which Bayern Badonde would we see here? A much more measured performance on this occasion was the answer. There was a goal in each half for James Courtney and a clean sheet for Ciaran Rogers that helped them on they way to a 2-0 victory. It would surely give them a boost going into the Plate on the back of a win.

For Squirrel Squad FC it was the end of a tough day's work in the group phase. I am sure the fact they were in the group of death is no consolation but it was a relevant factor in how the league table looks for them.