Sidbury United completed their season in superb fashion with victory in the Morrison Bell Cup, writes Steve Birley.

United met another Premier side, Feniton, and the two heavy weights of local Fresha League football, slugged it out at the Washbrook Meadow home of Ottery St Mary.

Having secured a top four finish in their first ever season in the top flight, United put serious icing on the cake with a 1-0 success thanks to a 30th minute Ben Clay penalty.

The decisive moment in the contest came when Connor Hannaford took the ball round the Feniton goalkeeper only to be hauled down. Hannaford picked up knee ligament damage and was carried off whilst the Feniton glovesman was sent off! Clay slotted the resultant spot kick and that is the goal that separated the teams at full time.

The one-man advantage enjoyed by United did not last long as they were also reduced to 10 men with the straight red card handed out to Danny Clay in the 40th minute.

Sidbury goalkeeper Jamie Harvey was rarely troubled as his back three of Sam Seldon, Dan McCann and Ben Clay, once again gave the glovesman terrific cover.

In the second half both Charlie Cox and Dan Gale went close to increasing the United lead, but that one goal proved enough.

A delighted United boss, Jeremy Schofield said: “It was no more than we deserved for I felt we bossed the game for all but short periods. It’s the perfect way for us to end the season winning a cup that we had never managed to win before. It’s been played for since 1920 and now our name will be etched upon it!”

Schofield and his players will now take a well earned rest after a tremendous season.

The Byes Lane boss said: “I’ll have a break, but then it’ll be back to business and I need to try and bring in a couple of extra players. I feel we do need greater fire power up top and if I could recruit someone with a big slice of creativity top add to our midfield options I would feel very confident about next season.”

Schofield was quick to also add: “As good as the season has been there are a group of very important people who don’t get associated perhaps with our success as much as they ought to and that’s why I’d like to publicly laud the invaluable support from the sponsors. Hat’s off to; Drews of Sidbury, The Black Horse Pub, Sidmouth, Central Garage, John Hurson Financial Advisor, Ben Gilbert Fencing, Sidmouth Scaffolding, Adam Howitt Kitchen and Bathrooms and Drainmaster – thank you one and all – see you all next season – hopefully.”