Final day stalemate sees Turton avoid drop

Poulton knew they had to beat Turton by four clear goals on the last day of the season to stay up, on goals scored.

But Turton successfully repelled their attacks in a stalemate devoid of clear cut chances at Cottam Hall, in a match that was watched by a healthy crowd in the spring sunshine.

Poulton will join Southport Hesketh in Division One next season, pending Euxton Villa’s application to the North West Counties League or any relegations from the league above, which will be ratified by the FA.

In the other game in the Premier Division, Jordan Pendlebury finished the season in style with a hat-trick in Tempest United’s 3-2 win at Vickerstown, Scott McDonald with a brace for the home side.

Tempest finished seventh after a stirring end to the season which also earned them the Richardson Cup.

In Division One, Wyre Villa finished the season with a 4-1 win over Eagley. Oliver Evans and Akbar Koshab traded goals in the first half before a Sam Milburn double and a Harvey Close strike earned the home side their 12th home win of the season.

But for a six point deduction for playing an ineligible player, Wyre Villa would have won the division title on goal difference from eventual champions Milnthorpe.

Haslingden rounded off their season with a 2-0 win at Lostock St Gerards, an own goal and Rhys Barton earning St Mary’s a fourth-placed finish.