We were at the 2018 Riga Tournament Cup Semi-Finals stage and from the 20 teams who signed up for the tournament we were down to the final 4 as the stakes got higher and higher. Latvia (x2), England and Lithuania were still represented.

First up was Lilchicago against Riga United. Statistically, these were the two powerhouses in the tournament with 68 goals between them and both boasting a 100% record. Riga United had scored 40 of those goals and boasted a lethal weapon in Victor Lopez Garcia who had scored a hat-trick in every game so far. They had looked mightily impressive but if they did have an Achille's heel it was maybe at the back – 10 goals conceded.

Lilchicago were not as prolific as Riga United with a mere 68 goals. They were prolific, just not as prolific. They had a tighter defence with just 5 conceded. Without further ado, let us crack on with the action.

The first blow was struck by Victor Lopez Garcia as he put Riga United 1-0 up. Lilchicago quickly hit back though through Lukas Melaika and Danas Kulisauskas. It was the Lithuanian team who lead 2-1 at half-time.

Riga United were under threat for the first time today and they responded through Niels Krause who equalized for 2-2. Riga United were then back in front through Victor Lopez Garcia again. Lilchicago would not lie down though and they equalized for a second time to make it 3-3. Mantas Garsvinskas with the goal this time.

Victor Lopez Garcia then made it 5 hat-tricks in 5 games as he restored the lead for Riga United. The 8 th goal of this game may well have been the killer. Victor Lopez Garcia scored it and at 5-3 Riga United had a two goal cushion for the first time. Lilchicago were not done yet – Simonas Stankevicius reduced the lead to 5-4 but there was not enough time left for Lilchicago to complete the comeback for a third time.

It was one hell of a game and tough on Lilchicago but Riga United would not care at all. The Latvian team had a Cup Final to prepare for….

So, who would take their place in the Final from the second Semi-Final? The two teams set to do battle were RFT and Deddington Sea Badgers.

RFT could make it a Latvia versus Latvia Cup Final if they were to progress. RFT had played well today and at one stage had a record of 20 goals scored and 0 conceded until Lilchicago put a dent in their record in the final game of Group A. They then came through a close Quarter-Final with a last gasp 2-1 win over Shahs of Sunset.

Deddington Sea Badgers came through an even tighter game. They required penalties to see off Paralytic Athletic in the last round. They were the last travelling team left in contention.

There was a sense of déjà vu in this game with Deddington as it drew parallels with their last fixture. They found themselves 1-0 down at half-time. Aris Zanders was the man to put the home team ahead. As they did against Paralytic Athletic, Deddington Sea Badgers found an equalizer in the second half. Robbie Dwyer scored his second of the tournament and certainly his most important. Another penalty shoot-out would be required.

Up first was Lauris Blibzna for RFT but he saw his penalty saved by Rob Hull. Joe Thornton had the chance to give Deddington the advantage and he duly obliged to make it 1-0 to the English team. Kristaps Zakrevskis was the next man to stride towards the penalty spot for RFT. He too saw his penalty saved by Rob Hull. This was a golden opportunity for Deddington Sea Badgers to seal it with a round of pens to spare. Mike Large was the man charged with the responsibility and it proved no problem. He converted his penalty and Deddington Sea Badgers were in a European Cup Final.