West End United 4

Vasco 4

(West End United win 4-3

in a penalty shootout)

West End United lifted the inaugural Bistro Cup after a stunning comeback against Vasco at BAA Field.

United found themselves four goals down by the interval but managed to claw their way back to level terms before claiming a memorable win in a penalty shootout.

Davide Almeida's hat-trick from the penalty spot cancelled out Quincy Aberdeen and Ricardo Arruda braces for Vasco to guide United to victory on Tuesday night.

Paul Maybury and Frances DeSilva jr. also struck for United.

"It was a dramatic match and it was quite a comeback considering we were four goals down so quickly," said United president John Arruda.

"A lot of harsh words were said at half-time and that seemed to do the trick.

"When we scored the third goal we knew the game was ours, we had the momentum going into the penalty shootout.

"Our goalkeeper had made a few mistakes during the game but he came through for us in the shootout.

"It's nice to be the first ever winners of the Bistro Cup and all of our hard work paid off."

Work hard they did as they found themselves down by three goals after the opening half an hour before Vasco added a fourth before half-time.

Maybury pulled a goal back and then the Vasco goalkeeper held onto the ball too long and was blown for six seconds by the referee.

The ensuing free kick was slammed home by DeSilva.

From that point on it seemed the momentum had swung in United's favour and they were awarded two penalties in the dying stages, both of which were dispatched home by Almeida.

He also scored the opening penalty in the shootout before 'keeper Chris Bromby saved a Vasco spot kick to put his side in control. Rui Furtado then missed his penalty to hand United the trophy.

Vasco's Player/coach, Joe Barbosa, said: "Overall, I think the game was good and both teams had their share of good possession and dominance.

"We took a 4-0 lead after about 30 minutes and I think we caught West End a little asleep and perhaps in awe of the occasion. Without sounding too bitter, I think the referee certainly played a part.

"West End were given a soft goal after our keeper supposedly held onto the ball for longer than six seconds, and with the score comfortable at 4-2 for us, halfway through the second half, the referee awarded two dubious penalties against us.

"Both were controversial but definitely the second one. All in all, I was happy with our performance and felt a little hard done by.

"Nothing against West End, they didn't give up, fought hard and took their chances to get back into the game and win the Cup."