A large crowd gathered at Ross Road, Ledbury, last Sunday where the top two teams in Division One of the Soccer Site Malvern League met.
They were not disappointed as leaders Oak Allstars and last year's champions, visitors Bishop's Frome, served up a feast of football.
Bishop's Frome were keen to gain revenge for their only defeat so far this season, 4-2 to Oak Allstars at home, and began convincingly.
They took the lead after only three minutes when a free kick from Wayne Tizzard was sent into the Oak penalty area and as several players rose to challenge for the ball it fell to the feet of Stewart Graham who fired home from seven yards.
Bishop's Frome continued to play their best football of the season and Oak Allstars were grateful to their goalkeeper who made a magnificent save from a great shot from Jason Westmacott.
Frome increased their lead in the 29th minute when a good build-up saw Westmacott send in a cross, which was deflected by a defender to Graham 12 yards out, and his shot found the bottom corner.
It seemed the game was virtually over in the 48th minute when a long ball from Bishop's Frome goalkeeper Simon Wall was flicked on by the head of Graham. Westmacott ran on to the ball as it came down and sent in a great 25-yard volley, which flew over the head of the advancing keeper.
But Oak Allstars then changed their formation and began to get on top causing the visitors to defend in depth and they soon pulled a goal back when Jamie James broke clear and his cross saw Lee Clueit fire home.
Showing great determination, Oak pulled it back to 2-3 in the 58th minute when James pounced on a mistake by the visiting keeper.
At this stage it looked like Oak could get something out of the game but they were stunned a minute later when, as Westmacott challenged for the ball in the home area, a defender handled and Westmacott hit home the resultant penalty.
Both teams praised the referee Adam Watts, who was officiating in his first Soccer Site Malvern League game, and contributed to a game that did credit to the teams and the league.
These two teams meet in the Senior Cup Final at Ledbury Town on May 9 and if it is as thrilling as this game it is definitely a game to see.
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