THE Plums rounded off the 2022/23 season with Smedley Crooke Cup final defeat on Saturday afternoon.

The task was always going to be a really tough one for Danny Janes' side against Lye Town who had secured promotion to Step 4 this season.

It only got tougher for The Plums as they fell to a 2-0 deficit in the first half despite missing a number of good chances themselves.

Half time came and went and with it came a much-improved performance for Janes' side. 

A double from James Baldwin brought the scores level and it had looked like Pershore would go on to secure a second cup win of the season.

But further missed chances cost Pershore the game and football holds no sympathy in that department.

Lye were clinical in the final third and retook the lead to secure the 2022/23 Smedley Crooke Cup.

"I am disappointed that we didn't sign off with another cup final victory, even more so as we did more than enough to win the game," said Janes.

"The odds seemed stacked against us in the first half -we lose Jamie Clarke after 10 minutes with an injury.

"Lye's shape caused us problems and it took us time to adjust, the players had to work extremely hard.

"We then gave ourselves a mountain to climb by giving two cheap goals away. The decision-making for the goals was not good enough.

"That said, we had some big chances despite not playing with your usual rhythm.

"At half-time we spoke about certain elements, Scott Loader and the back four now had to be absolutely ruthless.

"I wanted more from the midfield in terms of possession and dictating the play, our forwards had to be ruthless when the chances came.

"We discussed that if we got one back the momentum changes.

"Second half, I thought we were excellent. We dominated the ball, showing patience and progressing the play. We scored two great goals that were well-worked and the momentum shifted to us.

"The game was then decided by key moments. We missed an unbelievable chance to go 3-2 up, if we score, I think it is game over.

"We don't take it; we switch off at the other end and Lye take their chance. We have another great chance towards the end that wasn't taken.

"Overall, I thought we were the better team in between both boxes and created more chances, but Lye were more ruthless so I have no sympathy for us and full credit to them, what a season they have had.

"I have to praise my players, the character to drag themselves back into the game was fantastic. They gave us everything and were dead on their feet at the end.

"The journey is over for us. It has been an absolute pleasure to manage this club and this group of players.

"Five trophies and a promotion in 18 months, we have created memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

"All of the success is dedicated to those at the club, they deserve all of the praise and I hope they have enjoyed the journey.

"My management team are the best around and I can't thank them enough for their energy, support and input.

"I am looking forward to continuing my own journey now and I wish the club all of the best in the future.

"Pershore will always have a special place in my heart."