Budd feeling champion after thrilling title race

Blackhurst Budd are the champions of Blackpool Sunday football after a thrilling win over title rivals Boars Head Thistle.
Blackhurst Budd celebrate the titleBlackhurst Budd celebrate the title
Blackhurst Budd celebrate the title

Steve Spencer’s men stormed to the premier division crown for the second time in three seasons as the Blackpool and Fylde Sunday Alliance title race was settled on the final day at Fleetwood Town’s new Poolfoot Farm training ground.

A draw would have been enough to secure the title for leaders Boars but Budd clinched the town’s top prize with a sensational 6-3 win.

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They raced into a 3-0 lead in front of a decent crowd thanks to goals from Danny Morris, Brett Dawson and Gary Pett before a Boars comeback turned the game into a thriller.

Quickfire strikes by Lee Catlow, Jake Darnell and Ryan Tanser drew them level on the hour mark, but an outstanding response from Budd saw them crowned champions.

Substitute Jack Williams scored two before free-scoring Ric Seear sealed the title – and a double over Boars – in the dying moments.

Skipper Nick Greenall felt the title was well deserved. “It’s a really proud moment for us all. It’s been a tough season and we are delighted to get the job done,” said Greenall, whose father Colin played for Blackpool in the 1980s.

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“It’s our second title in three seasons and we are now showing we are a top team.

“We bounced back from the cup final defeat to Boars in style. It was a brilliant display and we are all delighted.”

Budd’s win prevented Thistle from completing a unique quadruple after they picked up the Lancashire Trophy, Premier Division Cup and Gledhill Cup this season.

Despite missing out on the title, manager Mark Spedding said he was proud of his players. “We congratulate Budd on their win and we can rightfully be proud of winning three trophies in one season,” he said.

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“It’s an achievement only the very best sides have ever done in the history of Sunday football. Well done to all involved.”

Blackhurst ended the season two points clear of their rivals, having won 20 of their 22 league games.

Their achievement was helped by 30 goals for striker Morris in his first season at the club.

And he is already looking forward to bigger and better things next season. Morris said: “To win the league and end with the golden boot for the premier division is a special moment.

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“The lads have been great this year. I think that with a couple of additions we could be looking at winning everything next season.

“Our aim is to win all four trophies available next season. I can’t wait to get started again.”

The clash brought to an end another memorable Sunday Alliance season, in which Hampton Social picked up the division one title and AFC Townhouse cruised to the division two crown by an 11-point margin.