Stuart Peace, the man who led Didcot Town to FA Vase glory, resigned as manager of Didcot Town following Saturday’s defeat at home to Stourbridge.

The result left Didcot just one place above the Premier Division relegation zone.

Peace, the most successful boss in their history, had to be persuaded to carry on after threatening to quit last summer.

Saturday’s 4-1 reverse at the Loop Meadow to Stourbridge was Didcot’s ninth home defeat in 13 games, easily the worst record in the league.

And it appears to have been the final straw for as Peace confirmed his resignation in a call to chairman John Bailey yesterday afternoon.

Bailey said: “It’s a shame, but Stuart has been here nearly seven years and he feels he’s taken the team as far as he can.

“He certainly leaves with his head held high because his record at Didcot is remarkable – he’s overseen far and away the most successful period in the club’s 100-year history and it’s quite a legacy to leave us.

“I would like to put on record our thanks to him for everything he’s done.”

Peace took over the role in August 2004 and in his first season in charge masterminded Didcot’s lifting of the FA Vase at White Hart Lane in May 2005.

But that was only the start of the silverware won under Peace’s leadership.

The club secured the Hellenic League title for the first time since 1953 the following season, as well as completing a hat-trick of Hellenic League Cup triumphs and winning the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy.

The resulting promotion to the Southern League was another first for the Railwaymen, and within two years another step-up via the play-offs propelled them into the Premier Division, the highest level they have ever achieved.

Last season Peace managed to maintain the club’s Premier Division status, but a poor start to this campaign proved one step too far.

Peace was unavailable for comment.

The club will be inviting applications for the job.

Meanwhile, Peace’s assistant Howard Cowley takes temporary charge for the club’s visit to Hungerford Town tomorrow in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup.