By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

BRIXHAM coach Adam Thomas will remind his players that staying disciplined will be crucial to the team’s chances of lifting the Devon Cup.

The Fishermen face Devonport Services on the Rectory Field today with the county’s oldest piece of silverware up for grabs.

Three coachloads of Brixham supporters are making the trip to Plymouth, along with scores more making their own way to the ground, in the hope of seeing their side hoist the cup for the first time since beating Okehampton to win it in 2017.

The two sides know each other well having already met three times this season in league and cup action. Brixham are 2-1 up in the series, but lost by 19 points when they were last at the Rectory.

Thomas is well aware where Services could threaten them, but is also conscious of his own sides propensity to harm themselves.

“Yellow cards,” said Thomas. “Maintaining our discipline is going to be vital as we cannot afford to go down to 14 men in what is bound to be a tight game.

“On a day when we will need to give 110 per cent, playing a man short for 10 minutes could make the difference between winning and losing.”

Thomas said he and the team have a ‘healthy respect’ for Services, but back themselves to carry off the cup.

“We were third in South West One, they were right behind in fourth and that tells me it is going to be close,” said Thomas.

“We will back ourselves to win, but we know the areas where we have to shape-up against them.

“Forward domination is going to be vital – so will taking chances when they come along – and I am confident in the ability of our players to perform.”

A week off since defeating Okehampton in the cup semi-final has allowed Brixham’s players to rest-up after an arduous league season and Thomas will be picking from a full-strength squad.