Manor thought they had a strong squad to choose from but with Tomoki pulling out the day before and Dennis failing to turn up, they went in to the game with just 1 fit sub, Paul Quinnell. The gaffer started with a 442 and the game was a stalemate for the first 20 minutes as the Hoops defence tried to contain the opposition keeper's long kick, with Matt Saunders remaining firm throughout. As Manor pushed forward to try and stamp their authority on the game the were caught with a sucker punch when Lee Brockett mistimed an interception allowing their striker clean through and he managed to get a shot away from 12 yards out. The initial effort was well saved by Dan but the ball fell straight to the feet of the striker who tapped home the rebound.

It was an uncharacteristic error by Lee and the fact that he showed ill discipline and a lack of respect for his team mates by disobeying the club curfew and partying in Ruislip’s equivalent to Faces nightclub (the Black Bull) was a major disappointment.

The Hoops, tried to hit back immediately and with Pat leading the line superbly the side always looked dangerous. Pats tireless running nearly pulled the team back level after a mazy run saw his shot deflected and loop over the keeper only for it to hit the bar and land yards away from Danny who was following in. Despite some hard work, the lads huffed and puffed but never really created any clear cut openings to get themselves back in the game. The Manor trailed 1-0 at half time.

Stern words were exchanged at half time which saw the gaffer single out Lee for criticism and he duly apologised. A tactical change was made and unfortunately for Damo, he was the sacrificial lamb in all of it. Full credit to him though he took it well and understood it was for the good of the team. Paul came on for Damian and the change saw Marcus switch to left wing, Lee move up front and Paul slot in at centre half.

The Manor began the half with real purpose and it was clear they had the bit between their teeth. They began playing the ball to feet and Lee’s strength was a constant threat. It took ten minutes to get back on level terms after Kieran played a neat ball in behind the centre half for Lee to pounce on to and he tucked the bull over the advancing keeper much to the relief of the Manor faithful.

This really stirred the side up and with Steve’s and Danny’s running forcing the defence on the back foot. 10 minutes later the Hoops took the lead as Lee claimed his second of the game after netting from just inside the 18 yard box, drilling the ball across the face of goal into the far post.

Braodfield Warriors’ heads dropped and with Dale clearing a goal-bound shot off the line and Rich and Matt nullifying the threat of the wingers there only ever looked one winner. The final ten minutes saw Manor pin back the opposition and force corner after corner. Eventually a direct and forceful run by Danny straight at the heart of the defence forced a wreckless tackle from the centre half and with 2 minutes to go Manor had the chance to make it 3-1 from 12 yards. With Lee on a hat-trick and Danny eager to get on the score sheet it was eventually Pat who stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way.

As the final whistle went the Hoops celebrated booking their place in their first ever final. It was an excellent 45 minutes from the lads and a performance they will have to repeat throughout the 90 minutes against Sweeney’s if they are to have any chance of winning the 2007/08 League Trophy.