British Army score 96th-minute winner to boost title hopes and beat the RAF in Aldershot

There was late drama as the British Army kicked off the defence of their men's Inter Services football title with a 2-1 win over the RAF at the EBB Stadium in Aldershot.

Two goals of real class from the RAF's Henry Jordan and the Army's Sean Woolley made it 1-1 at the end of the first half.

The draw, which would have suited the Royal Navy, looked likely until Bryant Polius curled in a winner with the final attack of the match.

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The RAF will be disappointed with the defeat, especially as they had much improved from a second-half showing against the Navy that saw them lose 3-1 in Shrewsbury. Michael Campbell was denied twice in good positions by Luke Cairney in the opening 20 minutes, while Michael Goddard also missed a good opportunity just before the break.

The RAF's goal to take the lead was a real show of individual quality. Jordan span away from his marker on the left wing and cut inside to drive the ball into the bottom corner for a deserved 1-0 advantage.

If Jordan's goal was spectacular, the Army's leveller from Woolley was predictable but fantastic. The winger scored a brilliant free-kick against the Navy 12 months ago, and he was at it again in Aldershot as he rifled past Matt Laycock from a dead-ball situation just outside of the penalty area.

The second half saw fewer clear opportunities, but both Laycock and Cairney were called into good saves.

It looked as though the draw would be the end result and, with it, the RAF's title hopes in tatters and the Army at a severe disadvantage to the Navy heading into the final match.

However, in the 96th minute, Polius came off the bench to deliver a vicious blow to the RAF with a wonderful curled effort, and the celebrations that sparked on the Army bench were proof of how important a moment it could be for the Inter Services title race.

The RAF are now out of the running, but next week's Navy v Army clash at Fratton Park will be a winner-take-all clash live on the BFBS Forces News YouTube channel.