IT was the fairytale ending to a long season for the Stripes as they battled to a 3-2 win versus Runcorn Town, writes Liam Grice.

Goals from Thomas Scarborough, Josh Hall and Jack Ball helped the stripes in their quest as they secured promotion to the North West Counties Premier League.

It was FC who started the brighter of the two sides in the difficult conditions as wing-back Ethan Van-Aston whipped in a wonderful cross, Joe Barker was able to bring the ball under his control, but couldn’t find the finish.

Despite their dominance, it was the visitors who would take the lead just on the half an hour mark.

The ball was worked into the box and Joe Mason did well to save the first shot, but was unable to save the follow up from Runcorn striker Eric Yahaya as he converted from close range.

It wouldn’t take long for the champions to respond as straight from the kick off, the Stripes worked the ball through the Runcorn defence, and Josh Hall found himself in behind.

Hall was brought down by the onrushing Jake Barrow, but Thomas Scarborough was on hand to put the ball away.

Just seven minutes later and the Stripes had the ball in the back of the net again. This time Josh Hall showed great determination to get on the end of a Joe Mason long ball and poke the ball to give the Stripes a 2-1 lead going into half time.

The lead didn’t last long after the interval however as Runcorn defender Matthew Scoullar was on hand to power the ball past Joe Mason, who was powerless to stop Scoullar’s effort.

As the standard of the pitch worsened, so did the standard of football.

Neither side was able to create any real chance and it looked like the Stripes would have to wait another day to be crowned champions, but as the game was coming to a close the newly crowned champions were awarded a penalty.

St Helens Star:

With all the pressure on his shoulders, up stepped defender Jack Ball who slotted the ball into the back of the net to secure the league title for FC St Helens.