Scoring machines and experienced victors: how did RAF Cup challengers get to the final?
It's the showpiece match in the RAF football season, but for both finalists, it's a reward for a year of hard work in the tournament.
The competition started in October with the preliminary round, but how did RAF Brize Norton and RAF Leeming book their place in the final?
Let's take a look at both teams' road to Leek.
RAF Brize Norton
Unlike their final opponent, Brize started their cup campaign bypassing the preliminary round and beginning in the first round proper.
They travelled to Lincolnshire and beat RAF Waddington 1-0 before a brilliant quarter-final 3-0 victory over 2014 champions RAF Benson.
Their semi-final also took place in April where goals from Zac Vale and Allando Davis sealed a 2-1 win over the holders RAF Boulmer.
RAF Brize Norton are six-time winners of the RAF Cup with their last triumph coming in 2019.
RAF Leeming
The Leeming trophy charge started in November in the northern draw of the preliminary round where they beat TSW Stafford by a massive 11-0 scoreline.
They laid down a marker that day and victories over RAF High Wycombe (7-2 in the first round) and RAF Coningsby (3-1 in the quarter-final) soon followed.
Their win in the semi-final came against RAF Cosford and George McCowie (2), Andrew Home and Mark White all scored in a comprehensive 4-0 win.
RAF Leeming come into the final as top scorers in the competition with an impressive 25 goals in just four games.
How to watch
You can watch the 2024 RAF Cup final live on the Forces News YouTube channel or on BFBS TV (for serving personnel only).
Coverage begins at 7:15pm on May 15 with the match being played at the home of Leek Town Football Club.
BFBS Sport editor Jon Knighton will be on commentary alongside the former RAF men's senior team head coach Andy Kuchta.
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