Through a constant barage of pressure the Stikers added a 3rd before half-time, again through some fast-paced attacking play out on the wings.  A pinpoint cross from the Stikers attacker found his partner open on the backpost for another stake through the hearts of the Seahorse players, still seeking a late run to the championship.
After a calming Half-time chat from coach Paul Shedd, the Seahorses seemed to bounce into gear. Second half Sub Ranko sparked some more enthusiam with some forceful play on the right, before shots from Morse, Etherton and Clitnovici began to weaken the Strikers defence.
A neat one-two between Clitnovici and Sarega allowed for a freekick right on the edge of the Strikers box.  The Freekick expertly struck by Sarega into the side netting seemed to breathe new life into the Seahorses. 3-2 down and the pressure began to mount as raid after raid on the Strikers goal failed to produce any real chance.
Orr came close 10 minutes before time, but his left foot strike was neatly held by the Strikers Keeper. After an eventful first half the Seahorse keeper Andrew Kadera barely had a save to make, while his Attackers for all their initiative failed to score the illusive equalizer.
It was left to a last minute goal from Ranko who's impact in the second half along with Masashi was unmistakeble. A quick freekick from midfield by Morse, found Ranko open for the Defender to loop a shot over the Stikers Keeper and the Seahorse Great Escape was finally achieved.
The Strikers had every reason to be disheartened after a great first half which delivered 3 goals was still not enough. The Seahorses, although relieved of the result, realized that the championship was now out of their hands.
Alliance, Still in the hunt for the Championship with 2 games in hand face the Seahorses this Sunday at 10am. with both Teams still chasing the Championship. The Seahorses fate is out of their hands, yet Alliance know that another victory this week could mount a real challenge to the remaining teams in the hunt for the League Title.