Today was CL QF day. Buffs FC had already secured a 3-1 away win and confidence was high but complacency was kept in check.

As the music played both teams emerged: Buffs took to the field in a 4-3-2W-1 and Sion FC formed into a 3-5-2 flat. The quality on the park was equal Buffs had 1 World Class, 8 Scout level and 2 x 5*with the opposition 1 World Class, 9 Scout and a 5*. The visiting manager was nowhere to be see.

At kick off the action was fast - Buffs were on the offensive. The pressure was relentless but the finishing sub-par. In that first period Buffs FC managed 11 shots and forced 5 corners, Joe Jordan was buzzing and 3 times 'rounded the GK and laid it off only to see his colleagues whistle it by the post, narrowly miss and balloon it over. Only 2 attempts were on target and even FK maestro Paul McStay wilted in his moment in the sun.

Sion on the other hand were restricted to 6 attempts but managed 3 on target and grazed the bar from a corner as the half drew to a close. But it was not over yet as the visitors got a FK on 44 mins and it was rifled home. A lesson in accuracy. 0-1. Once more Possession was proven to be only a stat as Buffs had almost 70% of the ball in that first 45.

Buffs Mad told his side to remain composed. Defeat was acceptable as long as there was no collapse. Sion were assured in possession in the second half and came at the Buffs more. But Buffs defence seemed assured - corners were being forced but the Buffs aerial presence exuded confidence and it was from a cleared corner that Buffs broke out of the Sion stranglehold. Henderson was release on the right and found space. As the in-rushing Buffs attack looked for the cross, the defence did too, and Henderson spotted the gap, got in behind and skipped past the GK to bullet it home. So on 64 minutes it was 1-1 - if Buffs could avoid losing 2 more then they were safe.

Buffs then enjoyed a short period of dominance again and showed more accuracy but couldn't get a second. In the last 15 minutes Sion pushed and pushed but this time they were creating the chances but without real threat on the goal.

In the last 5 minutes the pressure was intense. Mcgregor was alert to a long range shot and deflected it wide. Sion forced 3 corners as the time ticked by but Buffs held. As the clock counted down ever-slowly Buffs were almost certainly through and the only focus was to avoid defeat in front of their fans. As the clock showed time-up Sion had one last chance with a FK in a dangerous position - but McGregor was equal to it and flicked it over. No time for a corner - 1-1 was the final score and Buffs were through to their 3rd CL Semi in succession.