THORNS were crowned league champions as they held their nerve to record a 3-1 win over Salvins.

The championship went right down to the wire, with Thorns, Old Shildon and Loves all capable of lifting the title depending on their rivals' results.

And Thorns, league-leaders only on goal difference going into the final game, stayed top with their win thanks to goals by Andrew Richardson (2) and Steven Richardson.

"It's a good feeling!" said manager Dave McWaters. "I'm delighted for the lads. We only have a hard-core squad of 16 players, and they are all very close. They have worked extremely hard and thoroughly deserve it."

He added: It's been a closely-fought title race all the way. But once the Loves and Old Shildon dropped points it was in our hands. We just had to keep winning and thanfully that's what we did."

Loves could only manage a 3-3 draw at last year's champions Newton Aycliffe, who finished the season fourth.

Goals by Terry Nelson and Paul Young, plus an own goal, were not enough to claim victory as Dave Muir (2) and Craig Swainston scored for Aycliffe.

Loves boss David Jones said: "We are slightly disappointed not to have won the league, especially having lost just the once. But we're pleased we kept it alive right up to the last game of the season. I think we've given Thorns a good run for their money - now we're hoping to beat them in the League Cup Final!"

Old Shildon, last year's runners-up, won 2-0 at Browney with goals by Ian Maddison and Thomas Louden - they finished the season third.

In Division Two last week, North Briton drew 3-3 at home to the Grand. Gary Donald (2) and Kevin O'Neil scored for the Brit, with Dean Cummins, Scott Wright and Dave Baglin netting for the Grand. Michael Davison was also crowned the Grand's Player of the Season with another man-of-the-match performance.

Meanwhile, Masons Arms are in cup final action this Sunday when they take on Old Shildon in the B&A Trophy Final at Spennymoor United's Brewery Field (10.30am).

The League Cup Final between Thorns and Loves will be played at Brewery Field on Sunday, May 9.

* The next league meeting will be held at Browney WMC next Wednesday (May 5).

* The league's end-of-season presentation night will be held at Old Shildon WMC on Friday, June 5. Teams are reminded that they must inform the league of how many tickets they require at the league meeting on Wednesday.

RESULTS: Sunday, April 25: Division Two Cup Final: Voltigeur 0, Masons Arms 1.

Division One: Newton Aycliffe 3, Loves 3; Salvins 1, Thorns 3; Old Shildon 2, Browney 0.

Division Two: North Briton 3, Grand 3.

Thursday, April 22: Division Two: Masons Utd 0, Hunwick 4; Middlestone Moor 0, Voltigeur 1; Boot & Shoe 1, Eldon Arms 3.

Tuesday, April 20: Division One: Thorns 7, Beehive 1; Lakeside 2, Newton Aycliffe 2; Binchester SC 1, Old Shildon 2; Postchaise 4, Horndale 1.