Night of celebrations for worthy champions

Needing to win at Milnthorpe Corinthians to make sure of the trophy, the home side threw a spanner in the works when they went ahead through Joe Dickson’s stinging volley just before the break.

With Lostock St Gerards winning at Poulton at half-time, it looked like the champagne would remain on ice for Neil Hart’s side.

But Sam Rigby’s brilliant curling strike made it 1-1 on 62 minutes for Eagley with a point then enough to secure the title.

But there were further scares with Josh McGreavy called upon to parry Nathan Hankinson’s penalty on 75 minutes.

After that reprieve, Eagley made sure of the points with their own spot-kick, captain fantastic Kieran Sisson firing high into the net to spark delirious scenes among the away contingent.

>>> Watch highlights HERE - thanks to Up North Productions.

Eagley won Division One in 2023/24 but this is the first time they have won the top division since they joined the league 37 years ago.

The fact it took them to April 21 to secure the win is testament to Lostock St Gerards who refused to let Eagley get away from them.

They are now odds on for second spot after a 2-1 win at Poulton with nearest challengers Blackpool Wren Rovers held to a 2-2 home draw by Astley and Buckshaw. Danny Fletcher netted a double for Wrens.

Whitehaven enjoyed only their second win of the season – and the local bragging rights – with a 4-1 win at Cleator Moor Celtic, Kian Goulding with a brace for the already relegated visitors.

CMB’s fine recent form continued with a fourth straight win, 2-0 at near neighbours Tempest United while Jordan Lorde bagged a hat-trick in Burscough Richmond’s 4-2 defeat of Haslingden St Mary’s.

In Division One, it was party time at Hesketh Bank as the champions turned on the style with an 8-0 win against Freckleton.

Matt Coughlan fired them ahead on three minutes with a dipping strike from 20 yards before manager Dan Birkby netted twice with typically clinical strikes from close range.

Tony Bond made it four at the break before Lewis Johnson’s clever run and finish split a Kevin Edgar hat-trick.

Freckleton, to their credit, never gave up and the outstanding Marcus Kirton hit the same post twice while James Jemson and sub Tommy Trudgeon, in particular, worked their socks off for Simon Hurst’s battlers.

All eyes are on who will join Hesketh Bank in the top flight next season with Kendal County in pole position thanks to their 5-1 win at Holker Old Boys – Jamie Noreci hitting a treble.

Carnforth needed a late winner at Kendal United after a squandering a two-goal lead at Kendal United. Josh Green was the hero with an 80th minute winner in their 3-2 victory.

Kendal County are three points ahead of Carnforth with both sides having three games to play.

In the final game in the division, Chipping won 4-1 at Lytham Town with Zach Wilson twice on the scoresheet.

In Division Two, Caton United are not yet free of re-election concerns after losing 4-1 at Bamber Bridge Res while Thornton Cleveleys Res are up to sixth thanks to a 1-0 win over Dalton United.

And finally, Hurst Green Reserves secured promotion from Reserve Division Two with a 3-0 win over Stoneclough Res with David Bowlin’s second half double calming any nerves.

If Fulwood Amateurs A fail to win at Lytham Town Res on Thursday, Hurst Green Res will be champions. A win for Fulwood will see them promoted and the title race prolonged.