Army and Navy U23s lock horns in thrilling Inter Services clash

A frantic battle between the British Army and the Royal Navy in the second clash of the U23s Inter Services Football Championships has resulted in a 1-1 draw.

Following a defeat to the Royal Air Force in their Inter Services opener, the Army looked to get straight down to business as they attempted to salvage their 2024 season against the defending champions.

The Army and the Navy grappled for ball superiority throughout the first half which saw a Navy goal from newcomer Louis Smith being ruled offside and therefore disallowed.

• Army pentathlete Kerenza Bryson wins bronze at Hungarian Indoor Championships
• Army Netball star set to make Super League debut for Surrey Storm
• Best friends go toe to toe in British Army junior soldier boxing event

Both the Army and the Navy sides missed many opportunities to get onto the scoresheet, with the two sides going into half-time with the scoreboard remaining goalless at 0-0.

The second half started just like the first half ended, with both sides not willing to concede any ground and it was a race against the clock to see who would break the goal deadlock. 

At the 57th minute, a terrific free kick from the Navy's Mathew Iceton finally got the navy blues on the score sheet, taking a commanding 1-0 advantage over the Army.

Stoppage time drama

The Army looked set to walk away from their Inter Services campaign with a double defeat, with little time remaining.

But eight minutes into stoppage time, a header from Owen James handed the Army a last-minute lifeline to level the scoreboard and keep their Inter Services dreams alive.

At the final whistle, the Army and the Navy ended a hard-fought game with a 1-1 draw, and both walked away sharing the first-ever Joe Collins Cup.

The Navy now travels home to HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth where they will battle with the RAF for the Inter Services title.