The game had to be switched to Cedars because the Edlesborough pitch was closed, as a result of midweek snow and a frosty forecast. An 11:30 kick off allowed time for the early frost to melt and the pitch was in good condition, on a crisp and sunny morning. Boca's stop start season continued, as their game the previous week had been called off late as a result of the opponents dropping out of the league. Lions came into the fixture off the back of a 2-1 victory against Leighton Corinthians.

Boca started the game well but then suffered an early blow. Boca twice rushed their passes, the second time on the edge of their own area, lost possession and then a tame Lions shot dribbled just inside the left post, 0-1.

As they have all season, Boca immediately responded and began to play some of the best football that we have seen this season. Boca were playing out from the back with Ivan Pastore constantly being allowed space to get on the ball from left back. Ivan was able to thread passes into the Boca midfield, or out wide and start to build attacks. Harry Shore, Ben Stunell and Will Gibson-Housden were also always available across the back to spread the play or play neat passes into the midfield.

The equaliser came from an attack that started with Ivan at left back. Zach Theodorou pulled wide onto the left wing, he turned and sprinted past two defenders, cut into the box and then set the ball back perfectly for Bobby Forsythe to slide into the bottom right corner, 1-1.

From a Reds corner, Boca cleared the cross and Josh Lane won the ball on the edge of his own box. Josh slid a pass to Zach, midway inside the Boca half. Zach used the pace of the pass to flick the ball around the defender and then sprinted with the ball into the Lions half. As Zach approached the Lions box he rounded 2 more Reds defenders, the on rushing goalie and then from a tight angle he was able to squeeze his finish into the roof of the Lions net, 2-1.

A third Boca goal came when a slick passing move ended with a pass to Zach in the Lions box. Zach juggled with the ball, flicking it over two Lions challenges and then placing his finish into the bottom left side of the goal, 3-1.

Galaxy were now dominating the game. Their passing was free flowing, with the ball being regularly switched from Louis Woodford on the right across to Jacob Thomas on the left. In the middle, Joe Carr was picking up some great spaces between the lines of defence and midfield. Joe was able to link the Boca attacks, receiving the ball from the midfield or full backs and then building the play with a quick turn or clever pass. Jack Welchman and Tom Alexander were also finding space to play some neat 1 or 2 touch football and then spread the play out to the wide midfielders.

A wonderful flowing move, which again started with Ivan at left back progressed through midfield to Jacob wide on the left, flowed back inside through Tom, Jack and Joe and eventually the ball was beautifully played through to Zach. Zach cleverly stepped over the ball and allowed it to run through to Louis, who was cutting into the area off the right. Louis took one touch and then powered his finish straight into the top left corner of the goal. An amazing goal of the season contender, 4-1.

Following such an emphatic first half display, Boca came out for the second half a little flat. The players had relaxed a little, lost their width slightly and this allowed Lions to make the game a bit more scrappy, which suited them. Boca again conceded an early goal. This time Boca misplaced a pass whilst trying to play out from the back and Lions took full advantage, 4-2.

Again, Boca responded well. An attack down the Boca right found Louis down by the corner flag. Louis dropped his shoulder, shifted the ball and then delivered a sweeping cross to the back post. Jacob arrived perfectly and nodded his finish inside the post, 5-2.

Boca still weren't able to get into their flow and numerous free kicks broke up the rhythm of the game. Dan Ingram, had to make one very good stop away to his left, on a rare occasion that Reds got through the Boca defence.

Late in the game, Boca won a corner down the right. Callum Scott swung in one corner which the goalie had to tip over the bar. His second corner was met by Louis at the back of the Lions 6 yard box. Louis headed his finish back across the Lions goalie and into the right corner of the net, 6-2.

Boca were not content with their second half display but they were pleased with the win and very happy with their first half performance, which was the best they have played in 2023. Player of the Match contenders were Zach, as always, Ivan for how much he got on the ball in the first half and how well he built attacks, Joe for his all-round performance and game awareness but the award went to Louis for his two great goals and his overall influence on the game. Louis was always competing and always trying to get the team to play the right way.

This win sets up Boca with a title deciding game against second placed Bedford Park Rangers next week. If Boca win, they will win the league with 4 games still to play.