Results
 

3 Lions (Eng)

1

  v

2

FC Dukesfield (Eng)

Inter Urmum (Eng)

6

V

1

CSF (Eng)

 

We were now at the business end of the tournament and as the 4 teams entered the Plate semi-finals they knew they were only 2 victories from silverware.

The first Semi-Final would be contested by 3 Lions and FC Dukesfield. 3 Lions had some Plate experience to draw upon from their 2008 Barca Fives campaign when they defeated English team Prisoners 6-1 at the same stage before losing in the final to Czech team DHL Prague Red in the final. Could they make it final number two?

It was going to be difficult as both teams had similar group records. Both teams led their respective groups after Round 3 before then missing out on the elite Cup competition. Who would be able to lift themselves in the pursuit of glory.

With the exception of the previous fixture, FC Dukesfield matches had been tight, low-scoring affairs but their recent game against Quayaquil 100% seemed to change that as they continued into the Plate with a more open approach whether by design or their opponents tactics we're not sure. It seemed to work in their favour in this match as they led by the odd goal in 3 at the break. Ian Laird and Ian Watts scoring both goals for FC Dukesfield to give them the lead over James Day's strike for the 3 Lions.

In the second half FC Dukesfield reverted to their early tournament form and the game tightened up – this didn't work in the favour of 3 Lions who were trying to get back into the game. As the sands of second half time ticked away the prospect of a 3 Lions goal looked more and more elusive as FC Dukesfield defended admirably. It would still only take one flash of brilliance or a mistake to take this game into extra time but it was not to be for the 3 Lions. They crashed out as they tired in the Mallorca sun. FC Dukesfield had progressed and made the Plate Final debut – superb performance.

 
 
 

The second Semi-Final was Inter Urmum versus CSF. The CSF have an unequalled record in eurofootballfives.com Plate competitions appearing in 5 finals, winning 4 and in 2009 completed a hat-trick of Plate titles in the Algarve Open, Amsterdam Fives and Valencia Fives. Could they get the win here and take them to their 6th final?

 

A lot would depend on which CSF team showed up. If they put in a performance like Rounds 1, 2 and 5 you would fancy Inter Urmum but should they rediscover their Round 3 and Round 4 form they would be a tough team to beat. For their part Inter Urmum had proved to be a more consistent proposition throughout the day.

 

Inter Urmum started off the game in the ascendency and they capitalized by going into the interval two goals to the good as Marc Plumley struck twice. Ordinarily you may say Inter Urmum were well on their way to the Final but never count this CSF side out. Even in the games they won in the group phase they foundthemselves 3-1 and 2-0 down at half-time. Could they make it another second half comeback?

 

Inter Urmum were determined for this not to happen and showed a ruthless streak in the second half as they put their opposition away. Marc Plumley went on to complete his hat-trick and, not to be outdone, Chris Aldred popped up to score a hat-trick himself which took him on to 8 goals for the tournament and a contender to be the top goalscorer. There was time for Alex Thomas to score a consolation to give him a great personal return of 6 goals for the tournament but he would not be adding to it as the CSF were out.

 

Inter Urmum would progress and they would meet FC Dukesfield in the Plate Final.

 
 
 
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