Wigton Harriers have claimed the Cumberland County League Championship this weekend without kicking a ball.
The only other team that were in a position to challenge them were Maryport Athletic.
Maryport were three points adrift of Wigton and Gosforth, both of which had completed their league programmes with the same number of points.
Athletic travelled to take on Whitehaven Miners where a win would draw them level on points with Wigton and Gosforth. To rest the title away from Wigton, Maryport needed to record a six goal victory due to their inferior goal difference.
The fixture was a dead rubber for Miners and they could have presented a carefree approach to the game however, this was not the case. Miners, being driven on by a vocal contingent from Wigton, rose to the task.
Despite Athletic having a higher percentage of possession, Miners were still threatening with some dangerous attacking play themselves.
The pressure exerted by Maryport, on the Miners goal during the first half, brought the best out of the hosts, but keeper Andrew Monaghan particularly looking unbeatable as they defended resolutely to maintain parity at 0-0 at halftime.
Athletic never gave up the cause and it looked bleak for them when they had a player dismissed with 30 minutes or so still to play. This only appeared to spur the Maryport side on and with 25 minutes left they finally pierced the Miners defence.
A goal from Ciaran Laverty raised the excitement levels. Athletic continued their wave of attacks, Monaghan again coming to Miners rescue with a series of Jim Montgomery type stops when it appeared Maryport would score.
With time ticking away, Athletic added a further two goals courtesy of Logan Bosward and Laverty completing a brace.
However, it was Miners who had the last say with virtually the last kick of the game. Josh Atkinson found the corner of the net when put through clear on goal, leaving the final score 3-1 to the visitors.
Both teams and the visiting contingent of Wigton Ultras enjoyed a good humoured session in the Miners Club after the game.
The finish to the campaign could not have been closer, a reflection on the competitive nature of competition in the division.
Maryport and Wigton are scheduled to meet this Thursday evening in the final of the Benevolent Cup. The game is being staged at Gillford Park, Carlisle, home of Northern League side Carlisle City. Kick-off is 7pm, with another close encounter anticipated.
