Achilles welcomed Sean Bell back from injury and Chris Leys moved back into midfield as Achilles steeled themselves to meet last year's champions. In a competitive first half, Achilles took the lead in the 40th minute directly from a cross curled into the penalty area by left winger Dominic Arnold. Centre forward Ben Taylor ran across goal but failed to make contact and the ball continued into the net to the dismay of goalkeeper Tom Ross. The home team's joy was short lived as, minutes later, left back Joe Revell was red carded for a reckless tackle.
With Achilles down to 10 men, Ipswich Valley Rangers enjoyed long periods of possession, but failed to trouble Charters in the home goal. Against the run of play, Achilles doubled their lead, Ross failing to hang on to a glancing header from Kieran Donovan. With ten minutes remaining Ipswich Valley Rangers pulled one back through Dean Cooper but immediately Achilles restored the two goal advantage through a brilliant solo effort by Donovan. Lewis Culf headed on to the crossbar in injury time but with no further scares Achilles held out to the final whistle.