BOSS Colin Cochrane says the decision to keep Bassett Bulldogs together last summer has been fully justified after they got their hands on the Swindon & District League’s George Thomas/Don Rogers Cup on Saturday.

The Division One side pulled off a shock 4-2 victory over Premier Division opponents DJC Marlborough at the Gerrard Buxton Sports Ground, despite finishing the game with 10 men.

The team thought about pulling out of the league at the end of last season only for Cochrane to volunteer to take over the reins.

That decision proved a masterstroke as not only have Bulldogs secured silverware, they also finished in their highest ever league position after coming third in the table.

Cochrane said: “At the end of last season, we were thinking of folding the club.

“The guys who were running it were struggling with the pressure.

“We had a meeting and I didn’t plan on taking it on, but I came out of that meeting and said I would take on the job.

“We have had a high influx of players as well, and a big squad, so to pick people and keep everyone happy has been a big challenge, but we have got great team spirit, which I think has got us through the season.

“It’s been our best ever finish in the league, our best ever points total, and to win a cup at the end of it is fantastic.

“Now we want more for the club. We want to establish it in the right way and we want it going long after we’ve stopped playing.

“On a personal note, I might not be in charge next season due to work commitments, so it’s a fantastic finish for me if that is the case, but we will see.”

Jason Hudson was the hero of the hour for Bulldogs in the final as his hat-trick proved decisive.

Hudson’s early strike had Bassett in front but Adam Bukowski restored parity before half-time.

A penalty from Michael Robinson looked to have handed Marlborough the initiative soon after the restart but from there, Bulldogs mounted a brave fightback.

Hudson got his second of the game before player-manager Cochrane put Bassett ahead from the penalty spot.

Momentum looked like it would shift again shortly afterwards when Bulldogs were reduced to 10 men following a red card for Saul Charalambos but they kept their composure and Hudson wrapped up the win when he completed his treble late on.

“In the first half, they totally dominated and we were happy going in at 1-1,” added Cochrane.

“We got ourselves together at half-time and went out in the second half but they went 2-1 up and you just think you are in for an uphill battle then.

“But we’ve done it all season. We’ve soaked up pressure and gone on the counter attack.

“We went 3-2 up and were unfortunate to get a man sent off but to make it 4-2 with 10 men; the discipline from our side made us worthy winners in the end.”