Warren Sports and Sompting were left in the dark during their Mike Smith Trophy semi-final.
The Worthing League clubs were drawing goalless and seemingly heading to a penalty shootout, but the sun had virtually set and referee Martin Balchin abandoned the match with two minutes left.
Martin answered a late SOS from the league when the appointed official failed to show and gave up his evening meal to rush over to The Warren.
It was agreed only 40 minutes would be contested each way, as they were kicking off 30 minutes late, but ten minutes first half injury time made it touch and go.
Martin said: "It got so dark. There was no way we could carry on. I had called over the two skippers with five minutes left and they were up for finishing it.
"I played on, but then it was clear that it was too dangerous. Both teams were going in for the tackles and we'd never have got through penalties."
The match was finally played on Tuesday night however and Warren Sports booked their place in Monday's final with Maple Leaf Rangers with a 5-3 win.
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