Sidmouth Town tasted cup glory on Wednesday night when they won the Morrison Bell Cup, writes Steve Birley.

The Vikings met fellow South West Peninsula League outfit Budleigh Salterton at Ottery St Marys Washbrook Meadow home and the anticipated close encounter was just that!

A large crowd saw the only goal of the night scored by Dan Evans in the first half. Both goalkeepers made fine saves and the contest was end-toe-end throughout. Late on, Town’s Ben Farrington was sent off, but the Vikings held on to lift the cup.

Glovesman Alex Bowering was named the Man of the Match.

Sidmouth Town boss Josh Stunell said: “It was not the classic that I had felt it could be, but for me the big difference on the night was in the belief stakes. On the night my lads showed that they believed both in themselves and, perhaps of greater importance, in the game plan which they executed to perfection.”

Town stalwart Andy Argyle said: “Alex (Bowring) was superb, but the whole team were stars, and Josh Stunell’s policy of giving youth their head paid off in a tireless performance from every player.”

Sidmouth Town Reserves now look to make it a cup double in the Grandisson Cup final next Tuesday (May 31) at Ottery St Mary (7pm) to round off a great season for Sidmouth Town.