Sangha's sprawling save sends the AGUK Super League title back to Sassco.co.uk.

An astonishing comeback from Sassco sees a penalty triumph.

Sassco.co.uk 2 AA Fabrications 2
Sassco won 2-0 on penalties.
Nothing short of a staggering comeback from a depleted Sassco team. Missing were Kyle Robinson and the iconic David Simpson. In stepped myself (Sangha) in goal, unwisely boasting of some of my cat like reflexes in the recent tournament win for Azure. On the other hand, Josh Lay was truly confident they’d gain the Double. After all, AA had walloped Sassco 9-0 only a few weeks ago.

The game kicked off with AA having the majority of the chances. They drew first blood when Josh Lay was unmarked and struck from distance. Mistakes were being made by Sassco all the time and the cumbersome Mark Muers was waddling around like a harpooned whale. It didn’t look good for Sassco. It was even worse when Wooton, who had announced that he wasn’t signing for Sassco after all, despite filling out the dreaded form, hammered what seemed to be the nail in the coffin.

Jimmy Raeper strides away after Laing fails to save his spot kick.
Jimmy Raeper strides away after Laing fails to save his spot kick.

But then it was the comeback. A long punt from myself saw Emu crash past a few players and nobble the ball into the back of the net. AA then had a goal disallowed, which was fortunate for Sassco, but did demonstrate the chances they had. Second half saw Sassco clog up and not concede any more ground. The chances for AA dried up. Both Danni Lay and Josh Lay had a sibling argument. I’ve since heard they got no tea and then started arguing over who’s sitting on the higher naughty step.

The winners. Back rows shows David Raeper, Mark Muers and Davinder Sangha. Front shows Titch Conlon, Paul Stokoe (with the trophy) and Neil Richardson.
The winners. Back rows shows David Raeper, Mark Muers and Davinder Sangha. Front shows Titch Conlon, Paul Stokoe (with the trophy) and Neil Richardson.

With around five minutes remaining, the most amazing thing happened. Emu strode up and unleashed a thirty yard pile driver past a despairing Laing. For all the hype and the mystique surrounding AA, they had let their lead slip and Sassco hung on.

The final whistle went and I gave the celebration cheer. Josh Lay exclaimed, “Look at the f**kers. Celebrating a f**king draw. What a pile of sh**te…” And believe me, those are actual quotes.

Penalty kicks. Sangha was boisterous, while AA were quiet. It looked like they were intimidated. Jimmy Rasper scored first, and then Sangha easily saved Podge’s tame effort. Nelly calmly slotted his and then it was Josh Lay v Sangha. Only one winner. The legs did their job and the ball cannoned back out. A 2-0 penalty win for Sassco, who actually have a strong recent record in this Cup. They won it (again on penalties) against Sporting in Season 11, but suffered a heavy defeat in the Season 12 competition (where they despatched AA on penalties in the Semi Final). And now this season the glass trophy is being melted down for sand in Tyson’s house.