Group A continued with the all Czech clash between DHL Prague Red and JNJ Global Services. DHL Prague Red had just picked up their first point whereas JNJ Global Services needed to dust themselves off after a confidence bruising encounter against Goldsmith Williams. It was a much improved performance from JNJ as they held their own in the first half of this game. The teams went into the break all square at 1-1 thanks to Leo Echeverria and David Twort both scoring their second of the tournament. Although a point would be welcome for JNJ Global Services to get them off the mark and welcome for DHL Prague Red to edge them up the table both teams realized it would not be good enough for them if they had aspirations of making the Cup this afternoon.

The second half would continue to be close but there was to be a winner. Petr Muller became JNJ Global Services second goalscorer in the tournament but his strike was overshadowed by Leo Echeverria scoring two second half goals to seal his hat-trick. The game finished 3-2 and put DHL Prague Red in 3rd place and keeping chances of Cup qualification in their own hands. The defeat for JNJ meant they were destined for the Plate.

Goldsmith Williams were looking to continue their charge and make it 10 wins in 10 games in Prague dating back to last year. The 10th team to face them and try and prevent them were AON Top Guns. This was not going to be easy for the 2008 winners as AON Top Guns had won in style in their first game and lost narrowly to Pimp My Side FC in their previous game. They were to put on a top class performance in this game and push Goldsmith Williams all the way.

The closest anyone had come to defeating Goldsmith Williams were Ireland 's Lucky Leprechauns last year when they were defeated 6-4. AON Top Guns were to change this though and were so close to securing a draw against their illustrious opponents. In the end just the one goal would settle this tie and that goal would come from Goldsmith Williams top goalscorer Craig Ralph. The defeat would leave AON Top Guns in 4th which seems unfair given their ability but only goes to prove how tight this group was. Goldsmith Williams 100% record was in tact as they moved to a maximum 9 points.

 
Results

DHL Prague Red (Cze)

3

v

2

JNJ Global Services (Cze)

Goldsmith Williams (Eng)

1

v

0

AON Top Guns (Eng)

Pimp My Side FC (Eng)

4

v

1

JNJ Global Services (Cze)

DHL Prague Red (Cze)

3

v

3

AON Top Guns (Eng)

Goldsmith Williams (Eng)

1

v

1

Pimp My Side FC (Eng)

 

Pimp My Side FC were looking to consolidate second against JNJ Global Services. With their final fixture scheduled to be against Goldsmith Williams they would be keen to wrap up Cup qualification in this game rather than giving themselves work to do. JNJ Globabl Services were looking to improve on a good performance against DHL and take their first points.

It did not start well for the Czech team though when Rob Gilhespy continued his goal a game record to put Pimp My Side FC 1-0 up. 1-0 became 2-0 before the break thanks to Ray Bell. The destination of the points looked assured but JNJ Global Services continued to fight to the end. David Twort scored his third of the tournament which sadly for him proved to be another consolation goal. Gary Lowery and Ross Longton scored their first goals of the tournament to secure a 4-1 win.

They would be eagerly watching the next game DHL Prague Red and AON Top Guns because if AON Top Guns could take anything from the game then Pimp My Ride's qualification for the Cup was in the bag. It all looked good for them as AON Top Guns raced into a 3-1 lead with a goal from Michael Pascoe and a brace from Leon Barber. AON Top Guns were not just playing for Pimp My Side though. A win for them would give them 3rd place in Group A. With two of the three 3 rd placed teams qualifying for the Cup their hopes were still very much alive.

The pressure switched to DHL Prague Red who now needed to score at least three in the second half to finish on 7 points which would see them second at best and third at worst (third on 7 points would virtually see them through to the Cup). Jindrich Prchal reduced the deficit after the break to 3-2 and the Czech team kicked on to make it level at 3-3 thanks to Rupert Baltrock with his second of the game. At 3-3 a draw did neither team any real favours. The final whistle went and 3-3 it was.

The draw meant that AON Top Guns were certain of 4 th place and the Cup. DHL Prague were certain of 3rd place on 5 points but would it be good enough to see them make the Cup or Plate? They would have to sweat on Group B and C results to find out.

So, the final game of Group A would be a top of the table encounter. Both teams were guaranteed a place in the Cup but that didn't mean the result of this game was meaningless. Not only was the Group A title at stake but by winning the Group the team in 1 st place, in theory, would secure an easier Cup quarter-final tie. Not only that but pride was at stake and Goldsmith Williams 100% eurofootballfives.com record.

The match between Goldsmith Williams and Pimp My Side FC was certainly not played like a meaningless encounter. The game took on even more meaning and interest when the deadlock was broken by Ray Bell to give Pimp My Side FC a first-half lead. Were Goldsmith Williams about to taste defeat for the first time? As all great champions do though they came back and came back strongly. David Lowry put Goldsmith Williams level at 1-1 and that's how the game finished. The 100% record had gone but they had claimed the Group A title and had bigger fish to fry now with their focus on claiming the 2009 Prague Masters title.

Pimp My Side FC had produced a great performance and should be very proud of this result. They now had to be considered contenders for the title.

 
Table

Team

Pld

Won

Drawn

Lost

For

Agst

Pts

Goldsmith Williams (Eng)

4

3

1

0

15

5

10

Pimp My Side FC (Eng)

4

2

2

0

8

3

8

DHL Prague Red (Cze)

4

1

2

1

10

12

5

AON Top Guns (Eng)

4

1

1

2

7

6

4

JNJ Global Services (Cze)

4

0

0

4

4

18

0

 
Into;
 

Group Phase:

 
 
Plate Knock-out
 
Cup Knock-out

 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
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