The Knights attacked the Lions goal straight from the whistle, exploding into their penalty area, but the Lions defence held strong, countering attacking with a long ball up-field. Choularton cleared the ball to Blackbourn, who sent a long searching ball up-field to Powell; he combined with Holloway, which resulted in Powell’s shot deflecting for a corner. The corner was quickly taken by Holloway, the Lions keeper tried to punch it clear but the ball fell to Courtnage, his quick 1st time effort was stopped on the line by the Lions keeper. A few minutes later the Knights were awarded a throw-in, taken by Komboni, Holloway and Powell again combined but Powell’s shot was cleared away by the Lions defence. The Lions then mounted an attack of their own, forcing Komboni to make a great saving tackle, stopping the Lions from shooting. Another attack by the Lions saw Tadd, the Knights keeper, push the ball away for a corner; as the corner came into the area, Blackbourn headed the ball clear, not once but twice, as the Lions applied the pressure but the Knights rallied and cleared this danger away. From a long drop-kick by Tadd, Holloway raced towards the Lions goal, crossing the ball for Courtnage, but there was just a little too much pace on the ball for Courtnage to steer the ball into the net. Hooper then got into the action, passing the ball down the wing for Holloway, but the Lions defence managed to squeeze him out of play. The Knights then mounted 2 quick attacks, but each time the Lions defence stopped them; from one clearance by the Lions, Choularton intercepted, sending the ball over the top of the Lions defence, allowing Holloway the opportunity to bear down towards goal. A defender slipped, giving Holloway the chance to quickly control the ball; he skipped past the last remaining defender, before skilfully firing home the opening goal for the Knights. From the re-start Hooper collected the ball passing 2 players before releasing Holloway goal-ward again, but this time Holloway’s effort went wide of the post. The Lions again came forward, putting the Knights defence under pressure, Choularton, Blackbourn and Komboni held strong, clearing the danger away, just as the half-time whistle blew.
The 2nd half continued, as both teams were attacking at every opportunity, but the Knights managed the 1st attempt on goal; with Holloway’s effort bringing off a good save by the Lions keeper. Blackbourn again cleared the ball up-field where Doel managed to make an opening, but his shot was deflected. Choularton then released Doel, who flicked the ball onto Hooper, using good ball control, Hooper evaded the Lions defence and then he passed back to Doel, he in turn edged the ball to Holloway, who struck for goal, only to see his effort hit the side netting. The Lions then forced their way forward again, and a lone striker drove the ball goal-ward, Tadd managed to get his finger-tips to the ball, diverting it wide of the post. As the half progressed, the Knights kept up the pressure, forcing the Lions defence and keeper into action over and over again, but the 2nd goal was kept out of their reach. The Lions also kept the pressure on the Knights, forcing them into defending too, but all the Knights rallied making sure that the Lions never had the opportunity to score. As the final whistle blew, both teams looked exhausted; as every player on the pitch had tried their hardest to win the match for their team. The Knights man of the match was awarded to Holloway, because of his commitment throughout the match, this saw him attacking the Lions goal, as well as defending, and he efforts were rewarded when he scored the winning goal.
