The SLN Aylesbury Sunday Football Combination

The Chris Payne Trophy Final
Sunday 20th April 2008
Aylesbury Vale FC

Elm Farm from Division 2 of the SLN Aylesbury Sunday Football Combination completed the first part of a possible cup and league double with an emphatic 3-1 over Aylesbury Exiles in this season's Chris Payne Trophy Final, played at Haywood Way, home of Aylesbury Vale F. C. on Sunday. 

Elm Farm had the better of the exchanges in the first half with Alex Woodfine's shot hitting the post and fellow striker Luke Bitmead shooting wide when well placed close in. 

Bitmead's presence continued to cause the Exiles defence problems in the second half and he should have scored on 65 minutes but his first effort was well saved by Damien Hart and the subsequent shot was put wide. However, it was Woodfine who earnt and converted a penalty on 68 minutes when he was hauled down in the penalty box as Elm Farm took the initiative. 

Exiles to their credit then raised their game and veteran midfielder Justin Fielding powered in a great headed goal with 8 minutes remaining. 

This only spurred Elm Farm to up their cause before extra time became a reality and four minutes after the equaliser, Bitmead ran through the Exiles defence to score a great goal from just inside the penalty box.  

Any resistance from Exiles fell away as Jim Horwood added an equally spectacular goal to Bitmead's for Elm Farm to claim their first major honours. 

Bitmead was rightly named as the ' Man of the Match '.

Aylesbury Exiles FC

Elm Farm FC

Today's officials from left to right - Matt Blanco, Peter Rice (referee), Louis Constable (4th official) and Basil Wetters.

Some first half action.

Luke Bitmead goes close for Elm Farm.

Working hard - Elm Farm striker Alex Woodfine...

...and shortly after he scores from the penalty spot to put his side 1-0 up.

A familiar name goes into referee Peter Rice's notebook, that of Exiles' Ryan Collings.

Justin Fielding equalizes for Exiles...

...and Luke Bitmead (red 8) restores the lead for Elm Farm with only moments left.

James Horwood chips one over the keeper to win the Trophy for Elm Farm.

The man of the match award (sponsored by Christopher Pallet Estate Agents) goes to Luke Bitmead.

Elm Farm receive the trophy from John Haseler - Life Member and Principal Sponsor of the league.

Winners of the 2007/2008 Chris Payne Trophy
Elm Farm FC