The SLN Aylesbury Sunday Football Combination

The Tony Higginson Challenge Cup Final
Sunday 20th April 2008
Aylesbury Vale FC

The second of Sunday's two finals played at Haywood Way, saw Aston Clinton Sports & Social Club just edge out local rivals FC Aristocrat in this season's Tony Higginson Challenge Cup, the premier cup competition of the SLN Aylesbury Sunday Football Combination. 

Although the first half was an even affair with no real chances, Aston showed their class with some neat touches in midfield created by the hard working Neil Roberts and the sweet left foot of Peter Weirich. 

In the second half, the villagers become more dominant as Weirich precise shot was nearly fumbled by Aristocrat keeper, Luke Yarwood. However, the only goal of the game followed shortly afterwards as Roberts, who was later to be named as ' Man of the Match ', struck a looping shot which flew into the top corner of the net on 70 minutes. He could have added to his tally three minutes later as his deflected free kick struck the cross bar with Yarwood stranded. 

Aristocrat tried to rally to force the game into extra time and James Baxter had two opportunities with his head to level matters but both efforts went over or wide of goal. 

This victory for Aston is a welcome return to their form of three years ago and has now doubt put to bed their woeful performance in last year's final against New Zealand ( aka VTS ). 

Aston Clinton S&SC.

FC Aristocrat.

The two sides are lead out by today's match officials:
Referee Brian Constable with his assistants Chris Ludlow (left) and Kevin Saw.  Ezra O'Neill is the 4th official.

Referee Brian Constable lays down the law early on despite Aston's Neil Robert's pleas.

Ex Aylesbury United defender Kyle Kilmartin in action for FC Aristocrat.

Aristocrat's Justin Gordon clears off the line in one of only a few chances in the first half and in fact, the entire game!

Aristocrat skipper Jonny Miller.

The yellow card is out again.

The only goal of the game came on 70 minutes as Aston's Neil Roberts 25 yard strike loops over the head of the Aristocrat keeper Luke Yarwood...

...and he's in their somewhere as he's mobbed by his team mates.

An off the ball incident wasn't seen by the ref...

...but after consultation with his colleagues...

...Jonny Miller gets off with a yellow.

One of the best view from outside the ground...

...and an even better view from inside the ground!

Neil Roberts (white 7) sees his free kick rebound off the crossbar.

Aston keeper Ed Farmer snuffs out one of FC Aristocrats few second half chances...

...and James Baxter's effort sails over the bar.

Assistant Referee Kevin Saw beaks up this tussle in the corner.

Aston Clinton S&SC skipper Lewis Foster collects the trophy from Kim Higginson.

Man of the match Neil Roberts can't wait to open the bubbly...

...then tries a novel way of trying to drink it through his nose...

...that's the way to do it.

Winners of the 2007/2008 Tony Higginson Challenge Cup.
Aston Clinton S&SC.