Hamon says his farewell

Bels 1, Vale Rec 0 (after extra time)

CHRIS HAMON stepped down with a round of applause but unfortunately no trophy last night. The Rawlinson Cup final was the last game of his second spell as Vale Rec first team coach and although his side fought gallantly, they could not find a way past Rhys Gower.

'It has been a long season and yet the effort the players put in tonight was terrific,' said Hamon.

'We played some good football at times, we had our opportunities to score and Bels had a couple of their own as well. If we had come out 4-2 winners I don't think that there could have been too many arguments, but possession counts for nothing.

'The bottom line is that you have got to score more goals than the opposition.'

With what had gone before this week, it was almost a foregone conclusion that this match should go to extra time with the 90 minutes remaining goalless.

During normal time, both Gower and his opposite number Jody Bisson made a couple of excellent saves each while Charlie Pinsard hit a post when at full stretch and Lee Ogier could have done better with a free header.

With 12 minutes remaining, Rec were reduced to 10 men as referee Mark Fallaize dismissed James Coquelin for foul and abusive language.

However, Vale kept plugging away and they seemed as likely to pinch a winner as their hosts.

But they were made to pay for a brief lapse in concentration just 30 seconds into the second extra period as the ball came into the box from the left wing and Joby Bourgaize was on hand to stick it in the net.

Rec pushed for an equaliser and Gower was forced into two fine saves at the death to deny Mark Ogier and Jason Sarahs.

'I am disappointed in the result for the players because they worked very hard,' Hamon said.

'Going down to 10 men spoilt it a bit for us and that was a shame, but I thought we still might sneak into penalties. It wasn't to be though.'

After the game, Hamon spoke briefly to his players and thanked them for the work they had put in under his leadership.

'I did it for 10 and a half years, then felt I needed I break.

'I still thoroughly enjoy doing it but I just feel it is time for the players to hear a different voice. I want to step down while I enjoy it and not let it become a chore because that's not fair on anyone.'