As it happens it proved a match too far against a higher class of opposition from which they were used to playing.

 

Meadow Park started brightly and it quickly became apparent that the King's high back line was something that MPA had targeted to try and exploit. Club captain Matty Collard led the way and put MPA ahead, firing home from the egde of the box after bursting through the King's back line on 10 Minutes.

The rest of the first-half was played at a high tempo with King's becoming increasingly frustrated, which eventually resulted in them being reduced to 10 men through violent conduct. This seemed to spur them on and a brief spell of pressure followed. MPA obsorbed the onslaught and a fine save from keeper Chris Mitchell and goal line clearance from Simon Miller kept the score 1-0 at the interval.

 

The second-half started much the same as the first. Both teams were still attacking in search of the games second goal. This wasn't long in coming as MPA effectively killed the tie when Steve Blackburns cultured through ball, found Ian Webbers clever run, leaving him with only the keeper to beat. Webber confidently picked his spot giving the advancing keeper no chance.

The wind had now been knocked out of the King's sails as MPA began to relax, settle into their customary passing routine and dictate the play. As the game drew on, both sides tired and MPA had chances to extend their lead, notably having a goal dissallowed through Blackburn and Suttons touch desserting him at the crucial moment. In the dying minutes MPA keeper Mitchell was forced to make a superb save from a direct free-kick to keep the score 2-0, whilst ensuring that the King's drew a blank for the first time all season.

 

At the full-time whistle club captain Matty Collard led MPA forward to pick up the Heseltine cup and spark the celebrations that were to follow.