AFTER 14 years as Lyme Regis Reserves’ manager, Gerard Hitchcock has been handed the first-team job, with former interim-manager Mark Bailey his assistant.

Luke Clifton and Rod Rowe become the new joint-managers of the Seasiders’ reserves.

The news was announced at the club’s AGM, just a week after Lyme sealed a perfect end to the season by lifting the Grandisson Cup after a 2-1 win over Heavitree United Seconds, thanks to a late goal from Ruben Rogel.

Rogel scored in the 80th minute to seal the trophy after the two sides ended the first half deadlocked, with a Harry Slack header cancelling out Brad Rowe’s close range opener.

Lyme had been dominant in the first half, and got their deserved opening goal after Ben Vine brought down a ball forward from Dom Rowe, before putting a cross in for Brad Rowe.

Lyme continued to have chances but Heavitree equalised in the 45th minute through Slack’s header from a Chris Hickson cross to ensure the two sides ended the first half level.

The second half was a quieter and more even affair, before Vine put a through ball in for Rogel to bundle in past the goalkeeper.

Lyme held on to the lead to ensure the trophy comes to Dorset for the first time in its 60-year history.

Bailey said: “It was a really good victory, it was a great way to end the season.

“They gave us a really tough game to be fair, it was a big pitch which suited them and it was a really good game.

“Chris Herbst had a fantastic game covering for Cody (Bowditch) who was injured. Him and Ben Vine were probably our standout players.

Lyme: Meech, Herbst, Wellman, Knight, D Rowe, A Rowe (Rogel 75), Bailey, Fellingham, Simier, Vine, B Rowe