DRIMPTON 3

THORNCOMBE 1

AN INCREDIBLE display of resilience and heart from Drimpton saw them claim a league and cup double after beating Thorncombe 3-1 in the Jack Venn Cup Final after extra time and playing over half of the game with ten men.

The game started fairly evenly with few chances for both teams but Drimpton were enjoying slightly more of the possession before Adam Cody-Boutcher put Drimpton 1-0 up with a fantastic flicked finish.

Thorncombe grew into the game as the first half went on and found themselves level after being given a penalty which also saw Josh Cousins sent off for an apparent handball on the line.

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It was 1-1 at half-time but with Drimpton down to ten men it meant the lads on the pitch had to really dig deep and show true grit and determination to keep themselves in the game.

The second half offered few chances for both teams, Thorncombe did not create too many opportunities and Drimpton stood up to the few tests that came their way with ease.

After a quiet second half it went to extra-time which meant another 30 minutes of football and the lads dug deeper to keep themselves in the game.

Ryan Gay was unfortunate not to put Drimpton 2-1 up after his header came back off the crossbar in the first half of extra-time.

However, the reward came in the second half of extra-time when Frank Symonds’ shot from outside the area was spilled and this left Cody-Boutcher with a tap-in.

Even at 2-1 up and with Thorncombe needing to grab an equaliser the Greens were still in control and the third goal came when Cody-Boutcher sealed his hat-trick with a fine finish from a corner.

Drimpton lifted two trophies on the day after collecting the Perry Street & District League Division Two title, sealed with a 6-2 victory over Winsham United.

Greens’ manager Andy Loudon said: “All of the lads gave their absolute all and everyone should be incredibly proud of themselves for playing through the expected aches and cramp that came with playing with 10 men for that long, as well as Ryan Gay’s broken nose.

“It was a true test of character but we’re proud to say we met the task head on and came out on top.”