NEWTON Abbot 66 have been shocked with the welcome news that they are now George Belli Cup champions.

Nearly a month ago now, Elburton Villa beat 66 at Foxhole 2-1, but the joy of the Plymouth-based side was short-lived.

The SDFL have overturned the result of the final due to the winners on the day having fielded an ineligible player, who we believe to be Louis Godwin, offering 66 a pleasant surprise.

Just one week prior to the Belli Cup final defeat, Newton 66 had hoisted the Herald Cup into the air, having beaten Ilsington Villa by a single goal, courtesy of Tom Lowe.

After finishing fourth in the Premier Division, Ian Clenahan’s team also have the two cups to show for a season full of hard work and determination.

Here is what the 66 boss had to say about this strange twist of fate: “I was pleased that the league had looked into the matter and relieved that a just outcome was reached.

It was confirmed to the Mid-Devon Advertiser by the SDFL that “It became apparent that Elburton Villa had played a player that had played 17 games in the football pyramid and therefore was not eligible to play in a South Devon League cup game.”

Villa “are in the process of returning the trophy to the league” because, under the rules of the competition, the match and therefore the George Belli Cup has been awarded to 66.

Clenahan continued, “It isn’t the best way to win a cup but all clubs have to abide by the rules and if this isn’t done then, in my view this would compromise the integrity of the competition.

“This has brought a massive boost to the end of what has been a long and tough season, but also a very rewarding one for our club. I wish to pay tribute to all of our players, management and committee who really put themselves out to provide a unique and enjoyable environment for us to all enjoy local football.”

As a result, 66 will be defending champions in two cup competitions next season and the club “are looking forward to defending both cups and trying to improve” on the fourth-placed league finish.