DAVE Diaper’s joy at kicking off his new Sholing managerial reign with an FA Trophy victory was diluted by confirmation that Dave Fear had left the club.

Following the departure of team boss Mick Marsh, Diaper returned to the helm last Thursday – just six months after leading the Boatmen to FA Vase glory at Wembley.

He had hoped that Fear, Marsh’s right-hand man, would remain on the management staff in another capacity, but the highly successful former youth/reserve team boss opted to walk away.

His departure coincided with confirmation that ex-Winchester, Lymington and Totton & Eling boss Stuart Hussey had stepped up from the role of coach to become Sholing’s new assistant manager.

Diaper and Hussey got off to perfect start on Saturday as the Boatmen put the misery of back-to-back Southern League defeats behind them to edge South & West divisional rivals Tiverton Town 1-0 in the Trophy at the Silverlake Arena.

Defender Stuart Mott settled the first qualifying round tie in the 71st minute, burying a shot from ten yards after returning centre-back Dan Miller had knocked down Kevin Brewster’s free kick.

The delighted Diaper said he “couldn’t have asked for more” from the team, but admitted victory was tinged sadness over Fear’s departure.

“I wanted Dave to stay and help on the management side, but he said he could not continue in that vein,” he explained. “I went to his house on Saturday morning to have a face-to-face chat and I’m gutted that he’s going because he’s so important to the club.

“I told him that if he ever changes he’s mind, I’m not unapproachable and to give me a buzz.

“Feary and Marshy are two guys I think a lot of and it’s been a fragile situation over the last week.

“The club’s going through a transitional period and it was going to be hard work for any manager taking over.

“I’ve appointed Stu Hussey as assistant because he’s got managerial experience and he coaches as well.

“He’s 33 years of age, full of enthusiasm and already totally focused on Sholing FC.”

Prior to Mott scoring on Saturday, Boatmen’s goalkeeper Matt Brown had made an important save with his feet and later stopped the ball crossing the line after a Tiverton free-kick had hit the bar.

The visitors bombarded Sholing in the closing stages, but Miller kept the aerial assault at bay with some commanding headers.

“Dan and (left-back) Sam Olaofe came back today and they were both brilliant,” said Diaper.

“Dan got the man-of-the-match award and, being 6ft-plus, it certainly helped us having him back in the side.

“But the whole team deserve praise. Every one of them put a shift in and didn’t let up from start to finish. Some of them could hardly walk afterwards. I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Sholing have a free midweek before returning to league action on Saturday – at home to Tiverton!