The game was played on the Devils Traing Camp Astro-Turf pitch under the shadow of the Rock. Icarus faced a combined services made up of team used to the high heat and humidity, and the unfamiliar playing surface. In the morning training session, it had become clear how hard the conditions were going to be. Additionally Jim Davies picked up an ankle injury but was fortunately recovered by kick off at 1800.

A strong energetic start was made by both teams with Icarus finding success in the first minute. From kick-off the ball was fed left to a charging Rich Lowe who crossed into the box. Pressure from the midfield caused the keeper to misjudge his save and the loose ball was eventually bundled in by Jim Davies. Gino Portaluri saw his first chance at 5 minutes after another keeper error, but his shot was blocked by the GESFL defence. However, the GESFL showed their character and came back strongly putting Icarus under considerable pressure. A corner at 7 minutes was not cleared allowing GESFL to level the game with their first strike on goal. The following 15 minutes of play was end-to-end with Joe Griffin having several chances, two strikes from distance that went over the bar and a close strike after making space saved by the keeper. At the other end of the field, Icarus defended strongly with Jackson making an excellent save low to his right, just before the referee called for a water break.

Two minutes after the resumption of play Icarus took the lead. A clearance from Jackson was picked up by Dave Scott, who played a great cross-field ball into the feet of Portaluri who fired it in off the far post. The game remained fast paced with both sides seeing opportunities and strong defensive play. Jeff Butler came on at Left Back for Rich Lowe for the last 15 minutes of the half.

At half time several changes were made: Tom Summerville was replaced by Matt Wheildon who dropped to Right Back promoting Dan Turner to Right Midfield. Rich Lowe went back on at Left Back and Rich Pratley came on for Howie Heap, taking position at Centre Half and moving Scott up to Midfield. Additionally, it was noted that the heat and humidity was taking its toll, so the team were instructed to slow their game down, keep the ball and conserve energy in the second half.

GESFL took advantage of the Icarus changes and immediately went on the attack. They levelled the score at 2-2 after 5 minutes with a strike that flew past an unsighted Jackson. However, Icarus stuck to the game plan and played with composure, keeping control of the ball and absorbing the attacks of GESFL. After 10 minutes, Jim Davies was replaced by John Hetherington who immediately got into the action. At 59 minutes Icarus again went ahead with a goal from Portaluri. Continual pressing from Portaluri and Hetherington result in a poor back pass that the keeper was unable to control. Gino latched onto the loose ball and shrugged off the Centre Halves before clinically finishing past the onrushing keeper.

At the water break at 70mins, it was clear the Icarus strategy was working. GESFL had visibly tired and defensive errors were being exploited by Icarus. The final 20 minutes of football showed Icarus in the ascendant. Dan Turner was able to run down the right hand side at will, simply moving away from the tiring GESFL midfield and Scott was dominating the midfield as Heap had done in the first half. At 79 minutes Icarus went 4-2 ahead after a fine cross from Portaluri found Turner running down the line who then crossed for Hetherington to score. Shortly after, Howie Heap replaced Joe Griffin and Jeff Butler replaced Rich Lowe. Icarus were now dominating and directing the play. GESFL defended valiantly but the pressure from Icarus was relentless. At 88 minutes Heap ran onto a pass from Turner and placed the ball into the back of the net - 5-2. A minute later, the ball was worked again up the right side of the pitch to Turner who crossed it to Gino who scored his third goal of the evening and saw Icarus finish the match 6-2 winners.

The game had been a good performance for Icarus who had learned an invaluable lesson in adapting playing style and overall strategy to the weather conditions and playing surface they found themselves on. The change of playing style during the second half had enabled them to finish as the stronger team - and these lessons would be carried on in training and in the following three games.