Perth Hills United FC hosted a highly anticipated charity match on Wednesday December 4, between the Masters team and the U18 squad, with proceeds benefitting the fantastic work of Indigo Junction.

The Masters team was coached by club president and legend Jim McCarthy and the U18 squad was led by former first team coach Steve Haywood.

The stakes were high and the banter even higher.

Adding to the spectacle, celebrity referee Matt Webb, renowned for his questionable impartiality and tactical “genius” brought his signature flair to the centre circle.

The early exchanges saw both sides brimming with energy, but it was the U18 who struck first.

A barrage of corners finally bore fruit when Ellis Gould pounced from close range to give the youngsters a deserved lead.

For a while, it seemed they might run away with it, until “ring-in” Mark Tenney joined the fray.

Known for his knack for finding the net, Tenney equalised after a good press, rounding the keeper and finishing cooly into an empty net.

As the half wore on, the match teetered on a knife’s edge until the young apprentices unleashed three devastating counter attacks, netting three goals in five minutes with Zac Linton netting two and Jasper Leeuwangh one to head into the break with a commanding 4-1 lead and again ensuring the Masters would sleep well that night.

The Masters dressing room was undoubtedly a scene of deep reflection, while the U18 basked in their dominant end to the half.

The second half, however, proved a tale of resilience, and the Masters clawed their way back into the game.

Tenney, once again proving his value to the team, and perhaps his betrayal to the metros squad, added his second goal to bridge the gap to 4-2.

With the crowd sensing the possibility of a dramatic comeback, it was Steve Reay who kept their hopes alive with another close-range finish and at 4-3 it was game on.

Alas, it wasn’t to be as the U18 regrouped and found fortune on their side late in the game.

First Luis Parkinson, and then Ellis Gould unleashed speculative long-range efforts that took unfortunate deflections, leaving the Masters keeper with no chance.

As the ball hit the back of the net for the sixth time, the U18 celebrated a 6-3 victory, sealing the win.

Despite the loss, the Masters showcased grit and determination, while the U18 demonstrated why they are the future of the club.

Most importantly, the match raised $1932 for Indigo Junction, ensuring that everyone left the pitch a winner.