BEN Sadler has stepped down as Wantage Town manager due to personal reasons.
Saturday's 3-1 victory at Easington Sports in the second round of the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup proved to be his last game in charge, with first team coach Paul Braithwate also leaving.
Sadler, who was appointed in December 2016, guided Wantage to the second qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup earlier this season and the side sit fourth in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division.
A statement on the club’s website reads: “Ben made the decision to step down because he has said he wants to spend more time with his young family, so we respect that decision and wish both him and Paul well in whatever they decide to do going forward.
“We have already received interest in the position of first team manager.
“Both the club and the first team players are keen to keep the team together, so there are discussions between the club and the players how best to proceed. Until that is agreed, we will not be looking to recruit a new manager.”
Sadler took to Twitter to thank the club for a “superb couple of seasons” after Steve Robertson, Jack Dunmall and Chris Jackson had fired Wantage to victory in his last game in charge.
Thank you to @WantageTownFC for a superb couple of seasons. I have met some fantastic people and am pleased that we have had the FA Cup run & the cup success last season. Now feels the correct time to step away from the club. I wish the club success moving forward. 1/2
— Ben Sadler (@bsadler88) October 20, 2018
2/2 Finally my thanks has to go to Braith, Josh and the superb players. Managers are only as good as their management team and players, and these boys have given me absolutely everything and have my full respect and gratitude.
— Ben Sadler (@bsadler88) October 20, 2018
Abingdon United also advanced with a 4-1 win at home to Tuffley Rovers, thanks to goals from Tom Butler (2), Callum Harvey and Nathan Baker.
Tobias London’s double and a Mikey McKirnan strike saw Ardley United beat Malmesbury Victoria 3-2.
Callum Miller’s hat-trick and Jordi Thomas’s first senior goal helped Clanfield 85 cruise through when beating Woodley United 4-1.
Kidlington Dev were knocked out, losing 6-2 at Bishops Cleeve, while Chinnor fell to a 2-1 defeat against Risborough Rangers Res.
Wallingford Town were in league action, but were beaten 1-0 at Burnham in Division 1 East.
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