East Gwent Senior League

Benevolent Cup Final

Sudbrook CC A 2 Underwood SC B 0

SUDBROOK CC completed a terrific treble when they added the Benevolent Cup to the Division One and Gill Cup trophies won last month.

Goals in each half from Richard Lloyd and Steve Phillips ended the stubborn resistance offered by their Division Two opponents.

Lloyd capitalised on some quick thinking by Rob Thorn whose quickly-taken throw in was met on the volley and lobbed over Underwood’s keeper Will Hobbs from the side of the penalty area.

Phillips, who had been a major candidate for the Man of the Match award, made it safe with a neat header but it was Hobbs who took the accolade for a string of saves which kept the score respectable.

One save in the first half, denied the dangerous Lloyd and three times, he dived to keep his team in it.

Sudbrook manager Daryl Cann had given a start to some of his fringe players and they all took the opportunity to impress him before the club takes its place in the Gwent County League next season.

“I thought we were awesome, “ he said later.

“I knew Underwood B would be up for the game but I thought we dominated from the off.

“Richie Lloyd's goal was well taken and Rob Thorn and Richard Lund had chances to extend the lead but we didn't take our chances.

“I asked the boys to continue in the same manner and the goals would come.

“I thought Oli Mottram and Mark O'Hara were outstanding in the middle of the park “It's been an awesome season! I couldn't have asked for more from the lads and we are all looking forward to a new challenge next season.”

For Underwood, who clinched the Division Two title but are unable to be promoted because their A team is in Division One, it was particularly disappointing but their manager Craig Johnson said he was proud of his players.

“We have been the underdogs in this cup since the quarter finals,” he said.

“We beat two Division One teams to reach the final and we gave Sudbrook a run for their money but it just wasn't meant to be.

“But we are a very young team with many years to come which I'm sure will be full of silverware.

“It's disappointing we didn't win but I am so proud of my players.”