After last seasons heavy defeat at the hands of Icarus, the Wittering based side were eager to make an impact against an unfamiliar Icarus development side. With the last minute unavailability of Ball and Sharpe, the away side were able to field just the starting 11, a daunting prospect for some players who had not played a full 90 for quite some time. Icarus started well, moving the ball well and frustrating the 85 Wg team, who were unable to settle and construct any kind of meaningful forward play.

The centre of the 85 Wg defence looked solid until Beer narrowly avoided the off-side trap on the right flank. From here, he cut inside and neatly slotted the ball past the keeper into the bottom left corner to make it 1 - 0 after 18 minutes. Icarus maintained the pressure and doubled their lead shortly after when Coleman followed up on a parried shot to knock the ball into the empty net. The pressure then intensified on the home side when the keeper was wrong footed by a Coleman cross and was unable to prevent the ball bouncing across the line. Icarus seemed to be coasting, but the 85 Wg team had other ideas as they began to threaten the Icarus goal.

A good save from McLusky and a goal line clearance by Coleman, ensured the lead was carried into the second half. After half time, 85 Wg emerged a different team, the battle in the centre of the field was fiercely fought, and it was not long before 85 Wg got their reward by heading home an in swinging free kick. Icarus did not look phased by the goal, and created chances in and around the box, but regrettably were unable to find the net to finish the game. On 61 minutes 85 Wg reduced the Icarus lead further, and minutes later drew level with another headed goal from a free kick, this time from the right flank.

Icarus looked to be in trouble, with energy levels dwindling in some areas of the park. They managed to push forward but were unable to capitalize on any of the loose ball opportunities in the 85 Wg box. Then on 78 minutes, Icarus was awarded a dubious penalty after Bond was judged to have been fouled when challenging for a loose ball in the area. Hays stepped up and drove the ball past the keepers right hand. 4 - 3.

The lead did not last long. 85 Wg were able to break quickly, a good string of passes and a turn and shot from the edge of the Icarus box equalled the score. A string of half chances for both sides followed but neither side were able to claim the victory. The result was a fair reflection on the game, but Icarus must be disappointed for letting the 3 - 0 lead slip. There are plenty of positives to take away from the match, with good defensive performances, and some good forward play from the midfield and strikers.

Team: McLusky, Davis, Jones, Devlin, Butler, Davies, Coleman, Hays, Turner, Bond, Beer