Norwich United manager Steve Eastaugh is hopeful of a brighter future after seeing his team bounce back from relegation in fine style.
The Planters lifted the Norfolk Senior Cup after a 4-2 extra-time win over lower-level Downham Town at Carrow Road, just two days after their relegation from step four of the non-league pyramid was confirmed.
Lively forward Nathan Stewart was the final's key player, crossing in the lead up to Sonny Carey's equaliser and teeing up the midfielder for his second, before firing United in front with a fine free-kick in extra-time and setting up Liam Jackson to wrap up the win.
'He's a special player, we've had to be patient with Nathan, be very supportive of him, but the lad's always delivered for me,' Eastaugh said.
'He's had some setbacks earlier in his career where things didn't quite happen for him at other clubs but I've always stood by him and believed in his ability because I think he's a tremendous, I want to say prospect, but if you're delivering that in the Senior Cup final then I guess you're not a prospect, you've arrived.
'So really pleasing from him and there's another 17-year-old (Adam Probert) who we put out on the pitch tonight who has only played two or three senior games, and young Sonny Carey came in and scored two goals. So I'm delighted with that, we've got some good young talent in this group and whatever happens they'll be fine.'
GALLERY AND REPORT: Downham Town 2 Norwich United 4
After meeting up a few hours before Monday's final to 'get a bit of the camaraderie back in the group' the Planters boss was pleased with his team's attitude, so soon after a draining 6-3 loss at Chesham, but wants time to reassess ahead of a return the Eastern Counties League.
'I just think where we are now everyone needs a rest,' he added. 'It's such a long season, it really is. I know the FA have restructured that going forward and I think that's a really good idea.
'We had the same schedule as the pros at Christmas and Easter yet we have to finish a month sooner, which just didn't make any sense. They've addressed that but everyone is tired and just needs a good two or three weeks off before we can even think about what we're going to do next year.'
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