Hammers fans win Cup

West Ham iFC managed to lift the inaugural London Supporters' Cup on Saturday, despite doing things the hard way.

The Hammers looked all set to lift the cup in a fairly routine manner as they went into the break two goals to the good. Mark Blackburn put the fans' side 1-0 up after slotting home from close range, after a dangerous deep free-kick from Will Bush found its way to the defender.

The Hammers had a chance to double that lead from the spot just moments later. A blatant handball in the area from a Watford player didn't go unnoticed from the man in black and he quickly gave the penalty West Ham's way. Up stepped Bush to fire the boys in Claret and Blue into a two goal lead going into the second half.

Watford however still had dreams of lifting the Cup themselves, and looked a much brighter side in the second half. The Hornets managed to pull one back as a free-kick found the back of the net, and within minutes West Ham's defence was punished again. A long throw was only half cleared before eventually being bundled over the line as the Hornets got their sting back.

With just minutes to go it was Watford that almost earnt themselves a fairytale win. Luckily Irons keeper Cates was on top form as he saved from point-blank range, meaning that the tie would have to be settled by penalties.

After a tense penalty shoot-out it was West Ham who lifted the silverware, but yet again Watford made them sweat. Both sides scored four out of five of their penalties meaning that sudden death was on the cards. However, Watford missing their eighth penalty ended their dreams of Cup glory as the Hammers punished the miss, meaning that Vinnie White's side were left victorious.

West Ham iFC manager White said: "We knew Watford would have a stronger squad than when we faced earlier in the season so it certainly wasn't a shock that they pushed us every minute. It was a great performance and neither team deserved to lose.

"Coates has pulled off a wonderful save towards the end. I'm not sure how much he knew about but to me it looks like it's going in all the way so it's a vital save.

"In the end both teams celebrated together as we're all good friends and I'd like to think it would be the same if the boot was on the other foot. Neither team deserved to lose that game, especially with the cruel way of the penalties."

* West Ham iFC are running a fundraising night at The Boleyn pub on 25 May with tickets available on the door or from @westhamfansfc in advance. They are £6 each and include a raffle ticket, where the prizes include a signed Mark Noble shirt. *