There was a special start to the game in memory of Alex McKay, who passed away recently. Family, friends, former managers, and players were present to pay tribute. A Scottish piper led the teams out, and a minute of applause preceded the start of the match.

The Tooting side included former Salts player Gideon Acheampong in the starting line-up, with the familiar faces of Jamie Byatt and Alex Penfold on the bench as part of the Tooting management team. With a big cup final coming up on Tuesday, several key players were rested or named as substitutes.

The Salts began brightly and were the better side in the first half, pushing forward and creating several chances. However, it remained goalless at half-time.

At the break, Carl Oblitey replaced Craig Dundas up front. The Salts took the lead in the 55th minute with an incredible goal. From a free kick deep inside his own half, Jack Torbett let fly, and the ball soared over Tooting keeper Toby McKimm, who scrambled back but couldn’t prevent it going in.

Shortly after, Stefan Aiwone received a yellow card and was substituted in the 63rd minute for Anthony Nazareth. A double substitution followed in the 67th minute, with Kionte Gillifillian-Wual and Luke Miller replacing Sean-Michael Anderson and Ethan Brazier.

Tooting equalised in the 77th minute, with Shay Brennan scoring from ten yards out. Our final substitution saw Niall Stillwell come on for Brendan Murphy-McVey.

Further bookings were picked up by Carl Oblitey and Jason Bloor. Despite creating more chances to find a second goal, disaster struck four minutes into added time when Hussein Siklawi scored the winner for Tooting. The referee blew the final whistle immediately after.

A disappointing end to a sad day.

All attention now turns to Tuesday’s Cup Final – please come along and support the Salts!