Mark Jenkin

THE EXTRA-TIME energy of Barnstaple AAC clinched a memorable Torridge Cup victory against Braunton.

Ronnie Richmond nodded the only goal as the Ammies ended their seven-year search for silverware.

Last month, Richmond completed the London Marathon in two hours and 49 minutes.

And last Thursday, his team showed their stamina and desire to go the distance despite being down to ten men.

They had already used all three substitutes when Mark Beades hobbled off with an ankle injury in extra time.

But Royston Shaddick's team finally found a way past John Vaughan, Braunton's imposing goalkeeper. A corner from Scott Sharp was met by Aaron Harper-Penman and, despite Vaughan's save, Richmond reacted first to head the winner.

From the first minute to the 120th, both teams contributed to an absorbing tie at Torrington's Vicarage Field.

Defeat against Boca Seniors the previous night virtually ended the Ammies' hopes of winning the Journal League premier division.

Eager to make amends, they started at a terrific tempo with Jack Jenkins and Kriss Boreham dictating in midfield.

Vaughan stood strong to deny Ed Yeo and Maurice Charley before making a full-stretch save from Scott Sharp's 30-yard blast.

After defeats in the final against Boca Seniors in 2008 and Holsworthy in 2009, Braunton will wonder what they have to do to win it.

Graham Green and Mark Sanders were both unable to find the target after surging runs, and a snapshot from Russell Harrison was turned away by Jimmy Thorne.

Playmaker Green damaged ankle ligaments in the first minute and struggled on until half time.Like Beades, he will play no further part this season.

When Braunton's Jake Barwick broke forward from the left wing, he was in two minds whether to pass or shoot and in the end did neither.

Yeo was a constant threat for the Ammies, sending a sweet volley just off target and heading over from a Richmond free kick before forcing Vaughan to palm away an 18-yard shot.

Few players in North Devon relish a marking role as much as Dave Bennett and the defender did a fine job, keeping Sharp relatively quiet.

Yet the striker has been outstanding with his pace and strength this term. When he finally escaped Bennett in the 90th minute, the potential winner was ruled out for a push.

Both teams threatened at set-plays in extra time, with Yeo heading against the bar and Scott Maynard's glancing effort held by Thorne.

Spurred on by man of the match Boreham, the Ammies were determined to land their first trophy since the Westward Ho! Cup in 2003.

Barnstaple AAC: Jimmy Thorne, Gary King, Kane Dryden, Rob Paton, Aaron Harper-Penman, Jack Jenkins, Kriss Boreham, James Marsh, Maurice Charley, Ed Yeo, Scott Sharp. Subs: Mark Beades, Luke Ovey, Andrew Davie, Ronnie Richmond.

Braunton: John Vaughan, Anthony Casinelli, Jake Barwick, Dave Bennett, Scott Maynard, Kevin Prust, Darren Roach, Jason Jones, Graham Green, Mark Sanders, Russell Harrison. Subs: Elliot Whitecross, Adam Cornish, Tom Hunnibell, Callum Norman.

Referee: Ian Johns. Assistants: Larry Cousins, Graham Harris.