Eagles win Aubrey Cup

Wednesday, May 9, 2012
9:47 AM

Third consecutive year that Letchworth have picked up the trophy

Letchworth GC Eagles 0

Met Police Bushey 0

AET – Eagles won 6-5 on pens

Aubrey Cup: Final

Eagles became only the second team to win the Aubrey Cup for three consecutive years after a goalless 120 minutes led to a thrilling penalty shoot out win over Met Police Bushey.

The two met in the 2010 final, with Eagles running out 2-0 winners, but there was to be no revenge mission for Bushey as young goalkeeper Michael Johnson saved two spot kicks to give Eagles victory.

Bushey had started the brighter without testing Johnson. Eagles then came back into the game and Jack Gregson’s excellent control created a chance for himself but he snatched at the finish, before a L’Honore’s free kick and Joe Tyler’s shots were blocked.

The opening stages of the second half presented Eagles with a superb chance to go in front as Joe De La Salle was tripped by a sliding Bushey challenge, but L’Honore’s penalty was saved by Bushey’s keeper, down to his right.

They were almost made to pay for it immediately when Bushey’s Campo ran through the middle and tried to lob Johnson, only for the ball to canon back off the ‘keeper’s chest.

Harry Holland then tried an overhead kick but it went inches wide.

Extra time was wide open too, with Bushey’s sub striker Derby scooping over after shrugging off Markus Brown, and Gittings again having a chance from the left flank, but this time screwing wide.

Brown then made a goal saving challenge after Bushey’s forward had a heavy first touch, and Campo missed the best open-play chance of the game when he went round Johnson and with the whole goal to aim at, sliced wide.

Gittings, L’Honore and their opposite numbers both scored their penalties before Eagles substitute Danny Large missed. Joe Tyler and Lewis Mitchell then scored, leaving Bushey captain Courtnage with the chance to win it, but Johnson saved brilliantly.

Jamie Platt and Lee Pateman then tucked their kicks away before Johnson made the crucial save and sunk to his knees to await a joyous bundle from his teammates.

It was left to Tyler to lift the trophy – Eagles fifth in three seasons – but Johnson was the hero of the day.