Invincibles
AUBREY CUP FINAL
LONDON LIONS 7
LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY 1
FOOTBALL ANDY Landesberg saluted his invincibles after hattricks from Austin Lipman and Max Kyte steered London Lions to a historic treble.
With the Herts Senior County League Premier crown and Herts Centenary Cup taking pride of place in the trophy cabinet at Rowley Lane, the Lions were determined to finish their season in style. And there was a sense of determination as Landesberg’s Lions looked to lift the Aubrey Trophy for the first time.
The match itself was a contest for long periods, but Letchworth found Lions’ relentlessly direct and powerful attacks too much to deal with as the game went on, and by the end the scoreline was emphatic as both Lipman and Kyte claimed trebles.
Charlie Kasler opened the scoring with a rasping 20-yard volley into the top corner.
Letchworth threatened on the counter-attack and they drew level courtesy of a near-post finish midway through the first half.
Striker Kyte restored Lions’ advantage on the stroke of half time, capitalising on excellent work between Kasler and captain Josh Kennet.
It was one-way traffic in the second half, as the Lions ran in a procession of goals. A foul on Adam Burchell allowed Kyte to slot home from the penalty spot and this was followed by one from Lipman .
With Nick Landesberg, Zac Rose and Jordan Marks in commanding mood in defence, the Lions ran in three more goals in the final 20 minutes. Kyte completed his hat-trick before Lipman added two more.
Reflecting on a memorable campaign, Lions boss Landesberg commented: “I can’t praise these boys enough. It’s been an amazing journey and we have had to approach each competition one game at a time over recent weeks, and the boys have executed it brilliantly.
“We have needed the entire squad over the season and everyone can be proud of their part.
“We have never won the Aubrey Cup, so in doing that and adding to the two we have already won makes this an historic moment for the club”.
LIONS: Jake Lewis, Zac Rose, Jordan Marks, Nick Landesberg, Ben Goldberg, Jake Furman, Charlie Kasler, Josh Kennet, Austin Lipman, Adam Burchell, Max Kyte. Subs: Andy Glynne, Jamie Jackson, Rocky Spitzer