Sidmouth's 2nd team's season has been hailed as "incredible" by chairman Jay Thorne, over its transformation. 

But, a mere six months ago, the team seemed weary due to fixture congestion brought on by a prolonged and wet winter.

The team had a punishing schedule of three to four games a week and was trapped in the Devon & Exeter Premier League relegation zone, following a disappointing draw with Sandford.

Add to this the fact that the higher leagues had just concluded, often inflating the squad strength of the upcoming, opposing teams. There was little to indicate a dramatic shift in fortune.

Nevertheless, 2nd team managers Mark Badcock and Jon Miller chose to trust in their youthful squad, most of whom had honed their skills in the much-acclaimed Sidmouth youth structure.

Their faith was rewarded when Sidmouth triumphed over Lyme Regis on May 1, followed by three more points with a win the following day against Winkleigh raised optimism and relieved relegation concerns.

On the wave of optimism, the managers set a target by these victories, the managers aimed high.

The plan was clear, take the winning run util the end of the season, move up through the league and win the cup.

Further league success against Upottery, Exeter University, Okehampton and Crediton left the side with their most successful league campaign ever.

This left one target- The Grandisson Cup.

Quarter and semi-final victories against Tipton and Dunkeswell left a mouthwatering final against long-term local rivals Budleigh Salterton.

The first half of the match remained evenly balanced.

The second half, however, saw Sidmouth pull ahead.

Jack Drew-Cull's initially disallowed goal was quickly followed by a successful follow-up goal, bursting the dam of tension and unleashing euphoric celebrations.

And moments later the ever-energetic Soren Hall drilled the ball into the corner of the net to extend Sidmouth’s lead.

Sidmouth relaxed, and the play flowed. But Budleigh were not done.

Clever play down the left flank saw their striker clean through, only to be denied by ‘one-on-one specialist’ Ryan Windsor in the Sidmouth goal.

Both teams toiled ceaselessly until the final whistle, commended for their determined efforts.

At full-time, Sidmouth's victory triggered a wave of rapture among the players and their horde of supporters, the perfect finish to a stellar season.

Ten straight wins, the highest-ever league position and now, champions of the Grandisson Cup.

Chairman Jay Thorne's words still stand clear: "Incredible".