At halftime the auctioneers were leading one-nil thanks to their star striker Pietro Giambrone, whose impressive skills won the game for the gavel-wielders last year.
But after changing ends the dealers proved that it was still anyone’s game when a long-range lofted effort from Milton Cato dipped wickedly under the bar, leaving Addison Gelpy no chance in the auctioneers’ goal.
The dealers kept up the pressure and went ahead with a fine volley from outside the penalty area by Adam Kaye.
It looked as though the trade had won the day, but as limbs tired in the closing stages the auctioneers laid siege to the dealers’ goal before winning a penalty in injury time that was duly converted by Pietro Giambrone.
So it came down to a penalty shoot-out.
In the gathering gloom, with the dealers holding a one-goal advantage, it was the man who founded the event, Lennox Cato, who stepped up to take the final kick and slotted it home to ensure that the dealers’ name appeared on the cup for only the second time in six years.
Most importantly, by the end of the evening, sponsorship, players’ fees, raffle receipts and a well-supported charity auction had brought in a total of £12,700.
After five years running the event, Lennox and Sue Cato handed over the reins to a new committee this year, and during the post-match speeches Lennox congratulated Sam Dack, Lawrence Bright, Addison Gelpy and Ed Flaxman Johnson for their efficient running of what has become a significant charity occasion and for taking it to the next stage.
Anyone wishing to make post-match donations to Breast Cancer Haven should contact Sam Dack on 020 7420 6648.
