Sedge smiling again after trophy tonic

11:50am Friday 11th April 2008

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The trophy cabinet at Clayborn was rearranged this week to make room for the Northern Counties East League President's Cup and everyone at the club is delighted they have landed some silverware.

There was a downbeat atmosphere around the Spen outfit after it was revealed they could not gain promotion to the UniBond League even if they finish in the top two of the NCE Premier Division.

That setback was swept aside by the celebrations on Tuesday night. The second leg at Armthorpe Welfare went to extra time but Sedge won 3-1 on the night to lift the trophy with a 4-2 aggregate score.

"It's not so bad - and I can't complain in my first season here, can I?" grinned manager Steve Newton, who moved into the hot seat last summer from Bradford Park Avenue's reserves.

"Seriously, I'm very happy for the players and absolutely made up for the club itself because it's a smashing club.

"Having to play extra time away from home midweek took the edge off the celebrations. It was a late journey back, everyone was tired and the lads had to think about work the day after, so it was a bit subdued.

"No doubt we will have a little drink or two in the club after this weekend's league game against Long Eaton. The lads deserve a pat on the back from the home supporters and to enjoy the success of the cup by having a get-together.

"To their credit, they came back into the dressing room at Armthorpe and said let's go for it and push for a second-place finish in the league'.

"They could have said the club have got a pot, we have got a medal, we can't go up so the season's over' - but it was nothing like that and I applaud their attitude.

"Everyone at the club is working towards the improvements needed to get a satisfactory ground grading, so the promotion issue can go on hold until this time next year. We will have to repeat our efforts on the pitch and try again."

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