The last round of fixtures threw up some intriguing ties and the group had proved so close there were endless possibilities on who would fail to qualify, who would qualify and for which competition. Teams really had to forget about the group context and just go for a win and let nature take its course.

The exception to that was Policia Local de Palma who only needed a point against Askeaton FC to ensure they would not only qualify for the Cup but top the Group A table. Askeaton FC knew that a win could see them jump from 5th into the Cup if results went the right way but at the least they would qualify for the Plate. A draw would leave them precarious and defeat would leave them out (unless Midway Northerners lost heavily).

Things started better for the Spanish than the Irish as Antonio Riera Trones but the Policia 1-0 up and on their way to the Group A title. They could take nothing for granted though given the history in this league. They themselves had given away a 3-1 lead and on two occasions Askeaton FC had overturned first-half deficits to rescue draws. Policia Local de Palma were arguably tougher opponents than Midway Northerners and Olimpico (according to the table and results) and in the end Askeaton FC found it a bridge too far and the defeat left them in 5th place. Congratulations to Policia Local de Palma for claiming 12 points out of 15 and qualifying for the Cup in first place.

So 14 games down, 1 to go and it was an important game as 3 Lions met Midway Northerners. 3 Lions knew they just had to avoid defeat to progress to the Cup with Policia Local de Palma but a deafeat would mean the Plate. Midway Northerners could incredibly see themselves climb from 5th to 2nd with a win proving just how close this group had been. A draw would see them make the Plate and a defeat would see them exit the competition.

The game was on a knife edge. Olimpico were on the sidelines waiting to see if they would have further games to play as they cheered on the 3 Lions. However, the UK-Ecuador alliance of 3 Lions and Olimpico were dealt a severe set-back when Michael Cullen put the Northerners ahead in the first-half. 3 Lions needed to score one to make the Cup, Olimpico needed them to score twice to make the Plate. In the end neither occurred as Carl McCarthy in the Midway Northerners FC goal kept his second clean sheet of the day to see his team climb into 2 nd and into the Cup. 3 Lions finished 3rd and would make the Plate. Olimpico would join Askeaton FC in the bar and on the beach whilst the tournament drew to a climax.

What a great group – we take our hat off to all teams who made it one of the most interesting and enthralling groups we've ever had.