Stanley Towneley Arms have re-written the history books by clinching the First Division title in their amazing rise through the divisional ranks.

Three years ago they ended, as Division Three runners-up at the first attempt, never dropped a point last season in racing to the Division Two crown and are now the champions of Division One.

And, in doing so, they have become the first Stanley side to win the top flight.

The Towneley Arms knew they only had to avoid defeat against closest rivals Stateside and the title was theirs.

And, they did just that when recording a 2-1 win with goals from Paul Willary and Gary Messer though it could have ended all square as Stateside did reduce the arrears and then saw Robert Crooks save a last minute penalty.

Stateside then went on to beat Blackhall Mill 7-3 with hat-tricks for Kevin Eglon and Andrew Elliott to keep them one point ahead of Golden Lion in second place with both teams left with one game to play.

Golden Lion were crushing 8-0 winners at the Highwayman with Micky Turner scoring twice while Paul Clark scored four goals and Richie Reynoldson two others in a 9-1 Blackhill Comrades win over the Bute Arms.

Lanchester were already crowned Division Two champions with Chopwell Hotel the runners-up though the latter lost their final game 2-1 at home to Consett Top Club.

Jamie Green scored four times in a staggering 14-3 Oxhill Derby win over Annfield Plain Demi while Stanley Central duo Ian Costello and Stephen Dixon scored twice each in a 4-2 win over relegated Burnhope.

Cricketers were big 9-2 winners over the Peacock with a hat-trick from Peter Cockburn and two each from Barry Emery and Malcolm Guthrie.

Burton House won their final game 4-1 at the Duke of Wellington with Jimmy Nicholson scoring twice to secure the Third Division title.

They won by three points from both Dipton Bird and Plainsman who ended level on 61 points.

Dipton, with Michael Brough scoring twice, won 5-1 at the Smelters to pip the Plainsman on goals difference for the runners-up position.

However it is not all gloom for the Plainsman - 7-1 winners over the Horse & Groom - as Dipton are to disband enabling the Plainsman to go up.

James Ormrod and Phil Johnson doubles helped Medomsley Miners to a 7-3 win over Hat & Feather while Poacher thrashed the Board Inn 10-0.

Durham Alliance

Results: Belford House FC 1, Brandon Station 1; Coxhoe Ath 0, Whitehill FC 2.