Royal Navy retain U23 Inter Services title

The Royal Navy has retained its under-23s Inter Services title in Portsmouth.

In the second half, the Army's Luke Trice cancelled out Sol Roche's opener with the Army knowing a draw would be enough to crown them champions.

However, a contentious penalty from Jack Wright saw the Navy seal a 2-1 win over the Army.

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The first half saw the home team have the better chances but fail to find a breakthrough.

Fraser Dempsey and Manny Roche both forced good saves from Army shot-stopper Felix Norman while up at the other end, Owen James nearly followed up his goal against the RAF with another in Portsmouth but was denied.

The ball did end up in the back of the Army net from Jack Wright's header but the officials ruled out any chance of a first-half goal with an offside call.

The second half kicked into life with two goals in six minutes.

Sol Roche's poacher-like header gave the Navy the lead and an advantage that would have given them the title.

However, in the 58th minute, Callum Vincent's free-kick was fumbled by Navy goalkeeper Dane Rigby and Trice followed up to level the score at 1-1.

Rigby made up for his mistake with a good save from Asim Ale's volley and the Navy's big moment came with nine minutes to go.

Matthew Iceton was fouled in the penalty area and it was the Navy captain Wright, who was sent off against the RAF two weeks ago, who kept his cool and made it 2-1.

Wright also hit the post late on and despite Bradley Cox being sent off for two yellow cards, the Navy hung on to win back-to-back titles.