SENIOR SUBSIDIARY CUP FINAL

Scoop FC 2 FC Devizes United 4

FC DEVIZES UNITED COMPLETE CUP DOUBLE

FC Devizes United may have beaten fierce rivals Scoop FC in a second cup final this season, but Scoop beating their Senior Subsidiary Cup opponents to the Premier Division title for a second successive season will be viewed by many as the greater achievement.

James Stobbart’s FC Devizes United side who had beaten Scoop 5-3 in a thrilling Cinch Self Storage sponsored Knockout Cup Final back in April, completed the cup double over Matt Richards side who they defeated 4-2 at Nursteed Road, home of Devizes Town FC.

Ahead of the match a minute’s silence was held in memory of Pete Cox, former player, Referee Appointment’s Secretary and Club Secretary on the league and John Mann, father of Devizes player Jack Mann who both recently passed away.

Devizes like they did in the Knockout Cup were quickest out of the blocks and went close in the 4th minute, Jay Walters having his effort saved by keeper Rhys Simpkins before Declan McStravick smashed the follow up into the side netting.

Two minutes later Devizes were in front, the lively McStravick pounced to turn the ball home for 1-0.

The early stages were bossed by Devizes who twice went close to adding a third, McStravick flashed a shot wide on the target on 15 minutes and Oscar Webster’s shot on the turn moments later was saved by keeper Simpkins.

On what was probably the hottest day of the year so far, a drinks break was welcomed by both teams and after the restart, Scoop were much better and a Jack Smith cross was just out of the reach of Eddie Summers. Summers then had a shot well saved by Devizes keeper Jack Cross before Simon Gale produced a great block to deny his from the follow.

Almost immediately at the other end Oscar Webster was presented wilt a guilt edged chance for Devizes, a cross from Gabe Costello fell to Webster whose headed attempt looker harder to miss than score, but miss he did.

The contest was now more open, with chances coming at both ends, Jack Smith sending an effort well wide for Scoop moments before Kieron Gleed wasted a good opening for Devizes who were then stunned when Rory Davis restored parity on 35 minutes, his nothing to nobody ball sailed over keeper Jack Cross and nestled in the back on the empty net to the surprise of just Davis but everyone at Nursteed Road.

Back on level terms in the most bizarre circumstances, Scoop went close to adding a second, only a smart stop from keeper Jack Cross kept it at 1-1.

The first half may have been drawing to a close, but they were still time for plenty more action and goals, on 42 minutes, a Declan McStravick free kick was turned around the post by keeper Simpkins, the resulting corner was headed on Jack Coward to Oscar Webster who scrambled the ball home to restore Devizes lead.

Another good response from Scoop saw them get back on level terms on the stroke of half time, Rory Davis launched a free kick into the Devizes area and keeper Cross did well to deny Kieron Pearce, but he was unable to keep out Josh Bright’s follow up that saw the teams go into the break at two-apiece but that was only thanks to Devizes keeper Cross denying Harry Green a third for Scoop.

The next goal was always going to be an important one, and it was FC Devizes who grabbed it, 5 minutes after the restart they were awarded a penalty following a foul on Kieron Gleed. Jay Walters placed the ball on the spot and then smashed the ball home, but his effort went in off the underside of the crossbar, putting the KO Cup winners 3-2 up.

Now back in the ascendency, Devizes were denied a fourth, Scoop keeper Rhys Simpkins saving well from Gleed. Scoop then had a great chance to make it 3-3 but a clearance from Lee Himsworth kept it at 3-2.

It wasn’t long before Devizes chalked up goal number four which knocked the stuffing out of Scoop, Gabe Costello’s cross found Kieron Gleed who planted the ball home for 4-2.

Both teams had chances to add to their goals with Jay Walters, Gleed and Declan McStavick going close for Devizes, Ed Summers, Josh Bright and Zach Bruce having near misses for Scoop.

With no further goals, referee Graham Pearce brought the final to an end.

The trophies were presented by League Chair and Discipline Secretary, Geoff Thompson. FC Devizes United’s Jack Coward was presented with the Player of the Final Award.