20 games down and 8 to go in Group A – the results and points on offer were becoming increasingly crucial as we progressed through the rounds. To kick us off in Round 6 we had RSC Andylecht versus Real De Groot.

It looked like 5 teams vying for the 4 Cup qualification places with 3 of those teams locked together on 8 points each. RSC Andylecht and Real De Groot were amongst those teams. These two sides, as you would imagine, had remarkably similar records so far if you looked at the league table:

Real De Groot:   5 2-2-1 8-3 8

RSC Andylecht:   5 2-2-1 5-1 8

As you can see, only goal difference separated them and it was +5 compared with +4. The winner of this game would be in a very strong position to make the Cup, a draw would keep it in the balance, a defeat would leave plenty of work to do.

With two closely matched teams we expected a tight match and that is what we got. The one goal in the match would earn the scorer's team all 3 points. Who was that man? Patrick Coulter of RSC Andylecht was the hero of the hour. RSC Andylecht's defence continued to produce the goods with another shut-out and so the forward's were getting full value for their goals.

The next game featured the other of those teams who started Round 6 on 8 points. With Real De Groot's defeat in the game above, a win would put Pique Blinders 3 points ahead of the Cup qualification mark with 1 game to go. They had a tough ask though as they were playing L'Albiceleste who had a 100% win record so far.

Despite the 100% win record, L'Albiceleste were only in second place. They had the games in hand – but of course, they needed to win them. With 8 goals scored and 0 conceded you wouldn't put it past them.

It didn't go to plan for the French though in the early stages as Danny Reading put Pique Blinders ahead. It was the first goal Mikael Martin had conceded today. L'Albiceleste had a proven goal-scorer in their ranks. Cedric Castarede was the top goalscorer at the 2013 Mallorca Fives and 2016 Riga Tournaments. He was on target to get L'Albiceleste level here in Portugal.

Cedric Castarede then went one better and bagged a winner for the team from Paris. The 2-1 win ensured the 100% record would continue – but they had to work for it!

Next on pitch A was due to be Huddingpool v Cruz Del Surely. Cruz Del Surely claimed their 3 walkover points which kept them top of Group A.

9 Nana Budds also had their 3 walkover points added to the group table for their “fixture” against Indoorsoccer. It put them in touching distance of the Cup – just a point behind Pique Blinders and Real De Groot.