DAWLISH made it a league and cup double after coming from behind to clinch the East Devon Geary Cup on Saturday. United started well, and chances fell to Hardee, Fay and Halfyard, but Axmouth defended resolutely. Their keeper used the wind well and punted long balls forward, putting the Dawlish defence under pressure. When a free kick was awarded 20 yards out, United chose not to put men on the posts and the resulting shot flew into the far corner of the net. Axmouth then pressed for another and forced a corner. Underhill came out bravely and in the resulting melee of players was stamped on by the Axmouth number 11. The referee awarded Dawlish a free kick and showed the player a yellow card. Dawlish rattled the Axmouth forwards with some heavy challenges, and once again a free kick was awarded against them. Again choosing not to put men on the posts, the free kick was lofted high into the air and, held up by the strong wind, the ball floated past a despairing Underhill into the net for 2-0. Dawlish came out after half-time, determined justify their hard work in reaching this, their first ever, final. Play went from end to end and when the linesman flagged for an innocuous challenge, Dawlish were amazed when a penalty was awarded against Gill for shirt-holding. United's dreams of a double looked to be in tatters. However, keeper Underhill had other ideas and, looking to redeem himself from the first half mistakes, he dived to his left and palmed the ball around the post for a corner. This was the spark Dawlish needed. Johnson and Fay started to dominate the centre of the park, with Halfyard, Riches and Hudd all pushing forward for that elusive first goal. Finally, Adam Fay side-stepped two challenges and smacked a terrific shot goalwards. The ball was adjudged to have been handled by a defender who prevented it from reaching the net and a penalty was awarded. Fay, himself, cracked a terrific spot kick into the net. Manager Chadwick withdrew Halfyard and Riches, replacing them with David Chadwick up front and Peter Elver down the right. Chadwick's positional sense proved excellent as United chased the game. Frantic play ensued and, as the last half hour mark came up, neat link play saw Johnson receive the ball 35 yards out. Looking up, he saw the Axmouth keeper slightly off his line and unleashed a shot which struck the underside of the bar and then nestled sweetly in the back of the net. Dawlish again forged forward. Hudd fed the ball down the left to D Chadwick who neatly beat the right back and pulled the ball back and into the path of Fay. Controlling the ball, he passed two challenges with a shrug of his shoulders and cracked a low drive from 30 yards which whistled into the bottom left corner of the net for 3-2. Making his last change of the afternoon, manager Chadwick brought on Rob Elver on the left to support Kelly in his defensive duties. Hudd pushed into the centre as an extra body and Hardee came off, leaving D Chadwick as a lone striker. Axmouth came again and it was Underhill who proved to be in match-winning form with another save on the edge of the 18 yard box. Coy, Gill, Chadwick and Kelly proved magnificent at the back and, with the Axmouth legs tiring, Dawlish looked capable of adding to their tally. This was a great cup final played in good spirit with 100 per cent commitment from both sides. A special mention must be given to Pete Underhill, whose second-half performance and penalty save kept the double dream alive, and to Adam Fay, whose prolific goal-scoring and midfield creativity enables him to fashion something from nothing time after time. The manager would like to express his thanks to Andy Wilson (chairman), Terry Moore (secretary) and Dave Bickham (treasurer) and the committee for all their support throughout this season. Also to all the players who have made it such a rewarding, successful season – a league and cup double in only their second season of existence. Next season, United will have a reserve side playing in the South Devon League, managed by Pete Underhill. Anybody wishing to be involved with either side, on a playing or non-playing basis, should contact Kevin Chadwick on 07952 873376.
