THE Revolutions CafeBar-sponsored Knockout Cup came home to Broughton, but Saints should have had the trophy under lock and key by the interval at Meadow Lane last Thursday.

In almost a carbon copy of their Wiltshire Junior Cup triumph six days before Gifford, with manager and substitute Stuart Irons playing another vital role, forced extra time with an 80-minute leveller before reclaiming the cup that they had held for six consecutive seasons before the last campaign.

For Saints the first half was a painful reminder of their Junior Cup semi-final at Calne two years ago when chances were simply squandered. Skipper Andy Colebrooke headed Richard Bliha's left cross in the first 30 seconds and keeper Kevin Challice could well have been picking the ball out of his net two or three times more.

If Irons thought his side's Junior Cup success was the worst performance of the season then Gifford's first half display was dire. The closest Gifford came was from a Richard Clarke corner just before Saints finally found the net in stoppage time. Colebrooke was fouled which earned Jonathan Price a caution and from keeper Stuart Powell's free kick, Steve Eade lobbed Challice.

In a final that never reached the heights of their 4-4 A and B first semi-final, Gifford's best effort came on 55 minutes when Chris Stiles struck the underside of the crossbar.

The double substitution of Steve Burns and Irons began to make a difference and 10 minutes from time Irons, whose penalty won the county cup, delivered a right cross which left Simon Price with the easiest of heading equalisers.

Saints now without the injured Craig Brown, went close in injury time but three minutes into the first half of extra time it was five in the Junior Cup when Irons struck Stiles put Gifford ahead with Price scoring again in the 105th minute.

The match presentations were made by Doug Webb of Revolutions who also sponsored the man of the match award which was won by Gifford's Matt Coles.

There was a minute's silence before the game for Jack Stevens who joined the league management committee in 1946, was league secretary from 1961-66 and also Knockout Cup secretary from 1952-68.

Victory in tonight's A and B Cup final would land Gifford their third trophy leaving Stuart Irons' outfit three points away from recapturing the Division One crown.

A win on Saturday over Frome Town Sports would mean a trip to relegated Dynamo West End next Thursday seeing them collect all four pieces of silverware

In the league Bradford United Reserves made it difficult but finally could not prevent Seend United Reserves from becoming the first champions of the season. Seend, needing a point to win the Division Three title outright, had to wait until eight minutes from half time to go in front with a goal from first team boss Barry Holloway who then forced an own goal from Mark Tyler.