How did NovaLoca fare at the annual IAS 5-aside football competition?
NovaLoca were once again participants at the IAS 5-aside football competition this June, taking place at the PowerLeague grounds in the shadow of Wembley Stadium.
Our six man squad travelled down to London to compete against some of the biggest names in industrial property with hopes of reliving the former glory of winning the best-of-the-losers plate in 2013.
The competition opened with a classic group stage where NovaLoca were drawn to face Lambert Smith Hampton, CBRE and Colliers.
The competition kicked off in the baking sunshine, with Lambert Smith Hampton thumping Colliers in the opening game and CBRE defeating NovaLoca in the second, despite a consolation goal from the penalty spot for NL.
CBRE and LSH played out a 4-4 draw, leaving NovaLoca desperately needing a win against Colliers. After going two goals down in the opening minutes, NovaLoca produced a heroic comeback to win 4-2.
Our final game immediately followed against the fresh and rested Lambert Smith. The break-in-play made all the difference and Lambert Smith took a comfortable 5-1 victory, with NovaLoca’s only resistance coming late in the game.
Out at the first hurdle, the squad headed back to the PowerLeague bar for a consolation pint. Lambert Smith Hampton managed to reach they final where they met Altus Edwin Hill, who were ultimately victorious with a well earned 4-0 win.
Although there was no wooden spoon to play for this year, the NovaLoca lads gave it a real go and will certainly come back fighting next year. Many thanks to IAS, and competition sponsors SEGRO, for putting on such a great competition and subsequent bar and barbecue.
