Salutes as Shawbury become champions

A 2-0 win at third-placed Haughmond – their seventh on the spin and fourth in a week – saw Shawbury pip Bridgnorth to the title with a game to spare.

A first-half goal from Lester Anderson was added to by a second after the break from Dan Beddows.

Bridgnorth did their bit, winning 4-0 at Bewdley, but Shawbury's four-point advantage means they cannot be caught.

Shawbury stalwart Richards said it was a remarkable achievement for a village club to win the West Midlands crown.

He added: "My players have been outstanding all season and shown the commitment and desire that's needed to win the league.

"People wrote us off saying I would have to break the side up if I wanted to win this league, but I stuck by my players and they stuck by me.

"Obviously, being a Shawbury player for 10 years it means a great deal to me personally and it's great for everyone involved at Shawbury United.

"For a small village club to win a West Midlands league title is unreal and it's something that can never be taken away from all involved.

"We've got a lot to be optimistic about at the moment with a new ground on the horizon. We know it'll be harder next season, but its a challenge we've got to accept."

Mid-table Ellesmere Rangers crashed to a 4-1 home defeat against Malvern Town.

Relegation threatened Wellington Amateurs slipped to a 2-0 defeat away at Smethwick Rangers – but still have four games remaining to preserve their Premier League status.

Wellington were given a scare at rock-bottom Tipton Town but eventually ran out 6-3 winners.

Tipton haven't won a single game this season, earning just six points in 41 games, but took a shock 2-1 lead into the break.

However a hat-trick from Matt Williams and two goals from Joshua Hunt spared Wellington's blushes.

In Division One, champions Shifnal continued their unbeaten run with a fairly comfortable 3-1 win at home to Penncroft.

George Williams and Toby Lumbard put the hosts 2-0 up, before Tom Czerepaninec reduced the deficit in the second-half.

But Will Wells secured victory 10 minutes from time in Shifnal's final home game of the season.

St Martins ended their league campaign on a high note, beating Bustleholme 4-1 at home with all four goals coming from striker Karl Bailey.

But Wem Town's final game didn't go to plan – they capitulated to a 7-0 home loss to fellow mid-table side Trysull.