With play-off ambitions hanging by a thread, only a win would keep the dream alive and the Green Army turned out in force to cheer their side on. A raucous crowd, buzzing with belief, was joined by FCP academy players proudly leading the team out as mascots, adding to the sense of occasion.

But despite the atmosphere, it was Whittlesey who settled first. Just three minutes in, FCP keeper Shaz was forced into an outstanding triple save, keeping his side in it early doors. That moment, however, proved to be a warning sign, FCP never truly looked comfortable in the opening exchanges.

There was a scare in the 8th minute as David went down injured, but he was able to continue. Vito offered a spark with a clever flick from a corner shortly after, though the chance came to nothing. Then came the first big flashpoint: Ayman raced through on goal, only to be denied by the assistant’s flag, a decision that left players and fans alike furious, with many adamant he was onside.

Tensions continued to boil over when Derrick saw yellow for a challenge that looked harsh from the stands. FCP tried to find rhythm, and when the visiting keeper spilled a ball into the box, David couldn’t quite pounce on the rebound. Moments later, Zahid went close with a low effort that drifted just wide.

The Green Army were growing restless and not just with the performance. Several penalty shouts were waved away, and frustrations at the officiating only deepened as the half wore on. At the other end, Shaz was called into action again with a sharp save from a Whittlesey corner in the 24th minute.

Goal
Then, the sucker punch. A defensive lapse allowed Whittlesey to break the deadlock in the 36th minute. Sultan responded with a decent effort, but it was well saved. As the whistle blew for half-time, FCP trailed 1–0 and things needed to change quickly.

FCP emerged for the second half with renewed urgency. Vito struck the post early on, inches away from levelling the game.

Goal
Vito finally found the net, his shot wrong-footing the keeper to bring it back to 1–1. Belief surged once more, and FCP pressed forward relentlessly.

Goal
But just as FCP were finding their feet, Whittlesey regained the lead on 65 minutes with a clinical finish that stunned the stadium.

Sultan had a golden chance to equalise, but his shot was straight at the keeper. As the clock ticked down, Ayman and Sultan were replaced by Dom and Abu in a final throw of the dice. The best and last chance fell to Abu, who found himself through but dragged his shot agonisingly wide.

And that was that.

A 2–1 defeat that officially ended FCP’s play-off hopes and left a bitter taste for players, staff, and supporters. On a day that promised so much, the final outcome was one of heartache. Many in the stands felt this was a game FCP should have won. With nerves, errors, and missed chances all playing their part, the dream that once looked so close had slipped away in front of a packed Millfield crowd.

One game remains but for now, FCP are left to reflect on what might have been.

Goals
Vito

Green Army MOTM
Sarunas & Liam