FNF Blacks made their debut in this year’s competition on another glorious night down at Roefield. Rimy Old Boys came into their second league game full of confidence after a statement win against the reigning champions.
Rimy won the toss and took the sun-sheltered side in the first half. After a fairly slow opening, a thunderous long-range effort rattled the bar on 10 minutes. Just three minutes later, they were ahead – Oli McLean finishing coolly in the box after a well-worked move.
The pressure continued, and on 17 minutes, Charlie Collinge doubled the lead with a tidy finish from a tight angle. At that point, it looked like Rimy might run away with it.
But on 24 minutes, FNF Blacks struck back. A fantastic solo goal from Noah Burt – picking the ball up around halfway, driving forward, and slotting home past Scriven – brought them right back into it.
The second half started with intensity from FNF Blacks. They pressed high and carved out several good chances, only for a mix of last-ditch defending and sharp goalkeeping to keep them at bay.
Rimy had opportunities to kill the game, but Devine in goal made a string of brave saves to keep the scoreline tight.
As legs began to tire and substitutions rolled in, the match opened up – and on 36 minutes, Christian Winstanley found space in a stretched defence to slot home the equaliser.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but ultimately, a draw felt like the fair result.
A high-quality contest between two ambitious teams. Rimy remain unbeaten, while FNF Blacks announce themselves as serious contenders.
Looking ahead to the next round:
