All the players from both teams knew a win would be a must result in order to maintain a challenge for honours and so two sets of supporters were duly treated to a veritable feast of top quality football.

 It was Arnold who threatened to score first, with a corner whipped in at the near post but Kieran Sheppard was on hand to clear the ball well. Moments later it was Carter Newton in the Sports goal showing great focus as he sprinted out to repel another Arnold attack. The first goal came almost out of the blue, when Kieran Sheppard tried a speculative shot from distance that the keeper could only parry. Ben Oscroft swept in and side footed the ball into the net before anyone else could react. The same deadly duo were at it again minutes later to make it 2-0 to Sports. Carter Newton's quick pass put Sports through with a three to one advantage. Ben O drew the last defender out before passing to Kieran, yet again his shot was well saved. This time it was Joe Barnes in the right place at the right time to pick his spot for goal number two. Lesser opposition may have begun to falter at this point but Arnold simply bounced straight back with a goal of their own with Ross Finnie evading two challengers before slotting the ball low and hard into the corner. An eventful first half was finally brought to an end with a passing move from the home side that would have graced any level of play. Aaron Bond started things, moving in a congested centre circle by finding Ben Oscroft out wide. He in turn measured his pass to perfection, leaving the ball at the feet of Joe Barnes on the edge of the area. A rasping drive into the top corner was only thwarted by the very fingertips of the outstretched keeper.

 

In the second half Sports looked sure to extend their lead with Emilio Monaci forcing yet another fine save from the Arnold keeper with a belter from long range. Rocket Ronnie went close yet again, when his cross shot fizzed across the face of goal. It was in fact an equalising goal for Arnold that had the away supporters in a frenzy. For the first time the whole defence dropped their guard just long enough for a hopeful lob forward to leave Carter helpless to prevent a second goal for Arnold.

The match was beginning to feel like a cup tie where both teams deserve to go through. End to end action followed for the next five minutes, but both defences had tightened up and clear cut chances were at a minimum. Then with only seconds left Sports were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box. Emilio Monaci stepped up and drilled the ball right footed into the mass of bodies on the goal line and with the instinct of a real goal poacher, in went Joe Barnes to give victory to Sports.

The added incentive of being classmates with some of the opposition was probably the reason the man of the match award went to the outstanding Ben Oscroft.