The climax to the season didn’t disappoint with two very close Cup and Plate finals. Relegation in division one was down to the wire were anyone of three team could get demoted. While in division two the championship title also came to last game of season where Bants Raptors and Soho Spartans where both aming for the honours. In the Legends League it also came to the final round where HKFC and DB Vets where still in contention. The only certainty was Division One Champions FWD Forward was a forgone conclusion winning the title with several games in hand.
Firstly to the Cup final which took place at Happy Valley where Undefeated Division One Champions Forward FC took on surprise packets Soho Spartans who ended up runners up in division two. Forward as to be expected controlling most of the possession early on and scoring 10 minutes into the match courtesy of a Jose Lorenzo strike, assisted by some nifty footwork from Jesus Collado out on the right wing.
Soho Spartans had a brilliant chance in the first half when Nick Dashti had an open goal but fired it over the bar. Soho Spartans however bounced back well in the second half and Li Yongsen had a few chances to level the game before 2 minutes left for the final whistle he scored a breakaway goal.
Forward with only seconds remaining won a free kick from ensuing kick-off and new star signing Sergio Martinez tucked away in spectacular fashion the ball into the goals to win the cup final for Forward. Highlights of the cup final can be seen here.
In the plate final, division one demoted side San Pellegrinos where looking to salvage their season against third place division two stalwarts Revolution. In a very tight affair down in Sandy Bay both teams couldn’t find the net in normal time to go to penalties all squared at 0-0. Revolution held their nerve a little better and didn’t miss a penalty to win the plate 5-4 on the shootout.
Division One title had been long sown up however all eyes were in the lower half of the table where HK Krauts, Corinthians and Mes all were looking for safety on the final day. The first result came in with Corinthians guaranteeing their safety with 8-2 demolition of Goodfellas. HK Krauts however fell on their knees on the final hurdle losing 1-0 to last place San Pellegrinos who had no chance of survival. This left it Mes to try to get a win against Wanchai Spartans to secure survival. The game was an open affair with teams cancelling each other out with a goal apiece at 3-3 with only minutes remaining. Mes needing a win to stay in division one committed too many players forward and Wanchai Spartans scored the winner with a few seconds remaining to send Mes to division two.
In Division Two it was all to play for in the final day with Bants having a two point lead at the summit. Soho Spartans started the day in fine fashion securing a thumping 7-0 win against Samurai Blue meaning that Bants needed to beat Team Shotgun to secure the title. Bants and Team Shotgun started evenly enough and double from either side saw the teams lock 2-2 at the break. However in the second half Bants took control to win the game 4-2 and to take their second Division two title in their history in the league.
In the Legends league both HKFC and DBFC Vets fought out till the final round as well. HKFC just edging out the Godfathers 1-0 to keep their hopes alive of a back to back league title. DBFC Vets needed to win their final game against the Spartans Masters down as HKIS. The first half was a close affair with DBFC Vets taking a narrow 1-0 lead. However DBFC turned up the heat in the second half to secure 4-1 win and take home the title.
