Whitton United manager Paul Bugg paid tribute to his gutsy side after the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division outfit lost 2-1 in extra-time to Conference North Lowestoft Town in the Suffolk Premier Cup final last night.

Substitute Jake Reed’s 103rd-minute strike squirmed past Liam Jones to give the Trawlerboys a hard-fought win and seal a 12th cup triumph for the Trawlerboys.

Earlier Whitton had fought back from a goal down, Miles Powell converting from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute, to cancel out Omar Sowumni’s 44th-minute opener for Lowestoft.

Shaun Bammant was sent off late on for Town after diving in the box but the drama had already taken place, leaving Bugg to reflect on a gallant effort from his side, who play three levels lower than Lowestoft.

“We pushed a step two side all the way so I am not disappointed,” said Bugg.

“I thought the game-plan worked and we tried to get ten men behind the ball at all times, but I think fitness told in the end.”

Sowumni missed a number of chances to win the game for Lowestoft in normal time, while Jones was in good form for the Ipswich-based team.

Bugg added: “They controlled the first half but I thought we were better in the second.

“We are proud of the boys and I have always said that this club is going places.

“The players are devastated but they have been on a rollercoaster ride the last three seasons with cup finals and league titles.

“You can’t write scripts like that, it’s fairytale stuff.”