DESPITE an eleventh hour pitch cancellation, Viney Hill managed a 4 –1 win in the West Dean Charities final against Mitcheldean with goals from Carl James, Jordon Locke and Matt Chandler.

Originally the game was due to be played at Lydney, but a last minute cancellation meant it was played at Harrow Hill on a Sunday morning.

Viney's player manager, Wayne Nyland, said: "After Saturday's game the final on Sunday was scheduled for Lydney. It was not until Sunday morning around 10am we got notification that the game was being switched due to Lydney's pitch being unplayable.

"This was not the best preparation for a final and it proved a tough task to get hold of all players to break the news. A large crowd was expected at Lydney with many supporters not knowing of the change in location. However, a decent crowd did make it up to Harrow Hill.

"The last 18 months have seen good times for Viney second string, gaining promotion last season in Division Four in their first season and currently sitting top of Division Three. They are currently still in all cup competitions. Saturday games have also seen the arrival of new kit and tracksuits.

"I had to go cap in hand to try and get the boys some new kit and luckily the likes of Dave Toombs, Tim Howell and Steve Turley dug deep to sponsor the reserves. I am sure they will be happy with the result and hopefully many more."

Nyland, who has strong links with Lydney Town, arrived at Viney 18 months ago to take the pre season for the first team. Following a change in management within the reserves and the position being offered, he took it on.

"It was a straightfoward decision. The club has fantastic facilities which give you the foundations to build a decent side."

Commenting on the final, Nyland said: "I was very pleased with the performances as most players played 90 minutes on Saturday. The team was without three influential players in Dwayne Morris, Adam Keeping and James Willetts who have been outstanding for me and the reserves this season. They were a huge loss and have been massive for us this season; however the lads that came in did well.

"Special mention must go to Simon James, Tim Howell and Chris Naylor who have all dropped into the reserves this season and they have huge talent, galvanising the side and offering quality and experience which is standing out – James is currently on 20 plus goals.

"Mitcheldean are a strong and well drilled unit and certainly gave us a game. I wish them well for the remainder of the season. It is back to training and the drawing board for this week with the league our main aim. Gaining promotion is a priority and closing the gap between our first and seconds is our target. It is nice, however, to get some silverware back in the club."