RTFC went into their game against VTFC knowing that if they lost and Alresford beat Fareham, the New Forest side would be all but relegated at the end of the season. Although VTFC were without a number of players, Ringwood had their own trouble with both Tony Bellott and Dave Sajic injured, Mike Carroll suspended and both Nick Russon and Andy Wright unavailable through work commitments. Into the starting line-up came Nick Howes who had missed the previous 5 weeks through suspension and was lacking match fitness.

Once again RTFC lined-up with a familiar 4-5-1 but this time they were behind in the early stages after Sean Leadbetter mis-timed a tackle and both Dan Brunnen and Charlie Pierson were caught the wrong side of their men. The cross was easily coverted at the near-post leaving Dave Rhodes with no chance.

However RTFC did not capitulate and continued to make it very difficult for VTFC to get beyond the back four. Leadbetter was proving that his earlier error was out of character by ensuring the VT winger had no time or space and the central two were defending solidly. RTFC's determination to stay in the game was rewarded on the half hour as a Luke Gogan header found Dan Baguley in space between the two VT centre-halves. Despite a suspicion of off-side Baggers drove into the area and placed his shot low, into the bottom left hand corner, proving what a cool finisher he is.

With VTFC devoid of ideas and trying to hit the ball long at every opportunity it looked as thought the game would remain 1-1 until half-time. Gogan, Burrett and Howes ensured that VT could not make headway through the middle of the park and Rhodes was quick off his line to ensure anything over the top was swept up. However, just before the break the away side switched off. A dubious free-kick against Greaves on the VT left saw 3 RTFC players complain to the ref. As the game continued, the ball was knocked into the penalty box and the VT centre forward found himself with too much time and space and plenty of opportunity to make it 2-1.

The second half saw RTFC continue to play with men behind the ball and hope that they could catch VT on the break. However, despite Baggers' hard work and Danny Taylor's driving forward runs RTFC were unable to really challenge the VTFC penalty area. VT continued to hit the ball long and attempted to get the ball wider, however they found themselves crossing the ball from too deep and enabling Pierson and Brunnen to win most things in the air. Once or twice they picked up the second ball and threatened the RTFC goal but Brunnen was able to clear off the line and Rhodes made one excellent stop from point blank range

As the game drifted towards a home win, a further long ball was played over the top and the VT centre forward found himself the wrong side of Dan Brunnen. Despite a good challenge from Brunnen the forward went down in the penalty area and the referee saw it fit to award the home side a spot kick. Despite his recent practice Rhodes was unable to stop a 5th penalty in 6 games hitting the back of the net.

RTFC went home with pride in tact but with relegation a near certainty.