Moore full of pride as Hornets clinch title NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE
HEBBURN Town manager Daniel Moore hailed a collective effort as his side claimed the Northern Premier League East Division title on a dramatic final day of the season.
The Hornets went into Saturday’s visit to Sheffield knowing they would claim top spot if they could match second-placed Stockton Town’s result at Belper Town.
Two goals from former Ashington winger Dean Briggs gave them the win they needed to get over the line and ensured Stockton will focus on a play-off semi-final against Carlton Town after their 4-0 win at Belper.
An emotional Moore said: “We are proud of the players, proud of the staff, the volunteers and the owners – and it’s a big thank you to them all. They’ve supported us throughout the season and I always say the league table doesn’t lie, we deserve it.
“The main emotion at full-time was relief, a massive sense of relief because it was a hard game on a bobbly pitch and maybe we tried too hard at times – but we stuck at it and got over the line. This club matches our ambition as a management team, the success come off because of that and this is the end result. We are so proud to represent the club and to achieve this success with them.”
Dunston UTS will join Stockton in the play-offs after their goalless draw with Stocksbridge Park Steels coupled with Newton Aycliffe’s 2-2 home draw with Pontefract Collieries ensured Jon Mcdonald’s men claimed third place in the table.
The Colls took the lead at Aycliffe with a first-half strike from Connor Smythe but the game was turned on its head thanks to second-half goals from Ethan Ord and Cole Kiernan. Bailey Thompson snatched a point for the Colls late on and they will now focus on their play-off semi-final visit to Dunston.
Ashington’s first season back in the Northern Premier League ended with a 2-0 home win against North Ferriby with goals from Andrew Cartwright and Dan Maguire.
And Consett shared the points with Bridlington Town as an early opener from Kaleb Young was cancelled out by an equaliser from visitors midfielder Benn Lewis just after the half-hour.