The fourth of six games in Group C would be a pivotal one. As things stood, there were 3 teams on 3 points. 2 of those teams had a game in hand. Those 2 teams would now meet face to face. It was Riga United versus Deddington Sea Badgers.

Riga United had played at our previous tournament here in 2016 and experienced a slow start with a narrow 3-2 defeat to Red Cow Belgrade before a 1-1 draw with fellow Latvians, Factset. Two defeats hurt them (3-0 to Drunken DisAudley, 3-1 to Cruz Del Sur A) before a 1-1 draw versus One Calamski to finish the group pahse. A fifth place finish saw them qualify for the Trophy. They picked up a first win with an epic 7-5 win over It's Back. The Semi-Final was a game to forget though as they went out, 8-1, to AFK Aliance.

This was clearly a very different Riga United team though 2 years on. In fact, we've just checked the team sheet from 2016 and none of the 6 players that featured then, were on the 10 player squad list today. Along with their coach Mo Awad, Riga United clearly meant business this year. They won 13-2 first time out and looked like repeating the dose here.

Without doing too much wrong Deddington Sea Badgers found themselves 5-2 down at half-time. Victor Lopez Garcia scored four at the start of their first match, he added another first half hat-trick here. Ron Wyndenik and Niels Krause also scored in that opening period.

As the goals flowed at one end Riga United were conceding at the other as Mike Large and Joe Thornton were on target for Deddington Sea Badgers. It didn't matter too much for Riga United as they kept piling on the goals in the “For” column. Marco Spinola scored a second half double as Leonhard Schlichting and Sergey Vozdoyou also scored. There was also a goal for Rob Bradford in retaliation but Riga United were comfortable 9-3 winners.

Riga United were back in action in game #5 of Group C and it was an ominous fixture for Steve Park Rangers.

Riga United had played 2, won 2 and scored 22 so far. Steve Park Rangers had played 2, lost 2 and conceded 12 so far. I think it was fair to assume that Conn McIlvanney in the Steve Park Rangers might be in for a busy game.

In terms of what was at stake for the two teams, Riga United only needed a point to secure the Group C title. In reality though, their goal difference was so good that had already effectively won the group. Steve Park Rangers could potentially finish third with a win and then it come down to goal difference with whoever lost the final group game. Regardless, they would be playing Plate football this afternoon.

This game went precisely with the form book – Riga United scoring for fun but open at the back giving their opponents chances. At half-time in this one Riga United already had a hefty lead (7-2). Victor Lopez Garcia opened the scoring again and would go on to get his third hat-trick in as many games and move on to 12 for the tournament – clear leader for the golden boot award.

In the second half Riga United would extend that 7-2 lead to 12-4 at full-time. Niels Krause also scored a hat-trick for the Latvian team with other goals shared around the team. Steve Park Rangers did score 4 against their illustrious opponents – Michael O'Brien and Steve Kettle in the opening period, a Simon Shaw double after the break.

Deddington Sea Badgers and Spider Mans 1s were the two teams to do battle as Group C drew to a conclusion. This was a straight shoot-out for 2nd place and Cup qualification. Should the game end in a draw then Deddington Sea Badgers would take 2nd position as they had the superior goal difference.

We were treated to a fine game that ebbed and flowed. It was Spider Mans 1s who broke the deadlock with Barney Wilde grabbing his second of the tournament but Mike Large levelled it up at 1-1. Joe Thornton then put Deddington Sea Badgers 2-1 up and that's how we were at the half-time whistle.

In the second half it was Spider Mans 1s turn to equalize as Sam A'Court was on target. Spider Mans 1s were back in front courtesy of a Liam Angel strike. We were level again when Joe Thornton struck his second of the game to make it 3-3.

The game then had a decisive twist right at the end and with the last kick of the game. Joe Thornton completed his hat-trick and in the process secured Cup qualification. Final score, 4-3.