Dawley Town are crowned Salop Leisure League champions

The Jockeys seal the deal in dramatic fashion

Dawley Town have been crowned Salop Leisure League champions following a dramatic shootout with arch rivals Church Stretton Town.

Dawley Town's Brodie McLeod challenges for the ball with Church Stretton's Jack Leask Picture: Alan Haywardplaceholder image
Dawley Town's Brodie McLeod challenges for the ball with Church Stretton's Jack Leask Picture: Alan Hayward | Alan Hayward

The Premier Division's top two went head-to-head at the Russels Meadow Ground on Saturday with just two points separating them and Dawley knowing a draw would seal the title deal.

​Aaron Humphries celebrates after scoring Dawley Town’s dramatic late equaliser as they went on beat big rivals Church Stretton Town to be crowned Salop Leisure League championsplaceholder image
​Aaron Humphries celebrates after scoring Dawley Town’s dramatic late equaliser as they went on beat big rivals Church Stretton Town to be crowned Salop Leisure League champions | Alan Hayward

But the visiting Jockeys were rocked by a flying start from Stretton that saw them race into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from James Hill and Oliver Barrett.

Kaleem Ramzan dragged Dawley back into the contest when he reduced the deficit before half-time, only for the hosts to regain their two-goal advantage 10 minutes into the second half through Will Rogers.

The drama continued as a penalty from Dawley's Jason Harris cut the lead to one, but Stretton's bid for glory looked very much on when Hill made it 4-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.

A dramatic finale then saw Ramzan give the Jockeys some hope when he bagged his second of he afternoon with six minutes left.

Dawley Town's Macara McNulty-Hartnet under pressure from Tom Carter Picture: Alan Haywardplaceholder image
Dawley Town's Macara McNulty-Hartnet under pressure from Tom Carter Picture: Alan Hayward | Picture: Alan Hayward

And then, as the game moved into stoppage time, Aaron Humphries netted a last-gasp leveller to clinch the title and kick-start wild celebrations among the Dawley players and travelling supporters.

Having landed the championship, Dawley will now have their sights on completing a stunning treble.

They take on Ellesmere Rangers in the final of the Tony Bywater Cup at Shrewsbury Town on Friday night (7.30pm) before a shootout with Wrockwardine Wood Development for the Shropshire FA Challenge Cup at AFC Telford United on May 16 (1.30pm).

Bridgnorth Spartans and Wrockwardine Wood signed off with a point each after a 1-1 draw.

Ryan Mountford put Spartans one up on 36 minutes with Cian Fenlon levelling just after the hour mark.

FC Nations hit the goal trail as they saw off Telford Town Reserves 8-1. Kyle Cassell and Logan Mansell both scored twice.

Bridgnorth Spartans and Wrockwardine Wood drew 1-1 Picture: Euan Manning Photographyplaceholder image
Bridgnorth Spartans and Wrockwardine Wood drew 1-1 Picture: Euan Manning Photography | Picture: Euan Manning

Whitchurch Alport 1946 found their shooting boots away from as they triumphed 5-1 at Llanymynech.

NC United were also 5-1 winners- at home to Wem Town.

Regan Price led the victory charge with a brace. He was joined on the scoresheet by Harry James, Benjamin Mason and Lewi Neate. Adam Taylor replied.

Luke Dwyer, Kai Huffman, Jack Hughes, Lewis Jones and Tristan Lloyd found the net in Gobowen Celtic’s 5-3 success at Shifnal Town 1964.

Third-placed Ellesmere Rangers wrapped up their league campaign with a 3-1 win at home to Shrewsbury Up & Comers. Callum Graybrook was the star turn with a hat-trick.

Goalmouth action from Bridgnorth Spartans' clash with Wrockwardine Wood Picture: Euan Manning Photographyplaceholder image
Goalmouth action from Bridgnorth Spartans' clash with Wrockwardine Wood Picture: Euan Manning Photography | Euan Manning Photography

In Division One, Ercall Rangers sealed the the title deal with a 5-2 midweek win at Haughmond Development. Matthew Minton plundered a hat-trick with Ben Ford and Alex Pritchard also on target.

Shrewsbury Up & Comers Development are second following a 2-1 win at home against Wrockwardine Wood Development. Daniel Churm bagged both goals.

Shawbury United won 5-1 on the road at St Martins. Harvie Warrington helped himself to a hat-trick with Luke Davies and Gregory Aston adding the other goals.

Cameron Murphy and Sam Carter hit the net as SAHA FC beat Ercall Evolution 2-0.

Ercall Aces won by the same score at home to Wem Town Colts, while Mereside Rangers went goal crazy as they cruised to a 12-2 success against visiting AFC Weston Rhyn.

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