Ben Haseley double seals title for Halesowen Town

With rivals Coalville Town winning at Chasetown, the Yeltz had to win to make sure of the title, and it was fitting that 39-goal leading striker Haseley should come up with the goods.

Halesowen weathered an early onslaught from fourth-placed Belper. Kieran Wells hit the ball across the box to Jon Froggatt, who then headed it over Matthew Sargeant towards goal, but luckily for the Yeltz, the ball rebounded off the bar and back into play.

As the home pressure continued, Steve Warne's 17th-minute shot was collected by Yeltz goalkeeper Matt Sargeant.

• Halesowen Town are champions after 2-0 win over Belper Town

Belper kept threatening the Yeltz's title hopes as Wells once again was given too much space. He broke through the Halesowen defence and hit a shot, but Sargeant reacted well and he was able to make a great save to deny him.

But league leaders Halesowen stuck to their game plan and dared to dream after snatching a stylish 20th-minute lead with their first chance.

Neil MacKenzie found Iyseden Christie down the right and he played the ball for Haseley to turn in the penalty area and fire the Yeltz ahead with keeper Scott Low unable to push the shot away.

This sent the Yeltz faithful crazy but there was always a nagging feeling that Belper were still in with a chance of dashing their hopes.

Kris Green crossed for Christie to volley over Belper's bar after 36 minutes but determined defending preserved the narrow half-time lead with Curtis Tilt making two crucial clearances.

At the start of the second period Aaron Cole broke free to put a good chance wide for the Nailers, but largely the half belonged to the visitors.

Belper struggled to break down the defence and the Yeltz won control of the midfield.

Tension mounted as it became clear that victory was required for Halesowen to be crowned champions but the Yeltz kept calm in another gutsy, spirited display and their well organised defence restricted further chances.

The title started heading home to Halesowen when Haseley pounced from a yard out to double the lead with his 39th goal of the season in the 71st minute after the ball sailed over the head of Belper keeper Low when he misjudged a back header from Chris Jones.

With Belper beaten, the Yeltz controlled the final minutes before proudly lifting the trophy in party mood after the final whistle of an outstanding season in front of their massive army of jubilant fans who had travelled to see their favourites return to Step 3 of non-league football.

Halesowen timed their run-in to the title perfectly, winning their last nine league games – in fact Belper were the last team to beat them, 4-3 at The Grove last month.

"We've been the underdogs all season, and it's been absolutely amazing," said full-back Green, who has played every single minute of Halesowen's campaign this season.

"It went right to the wire, so there was no better way to win it."

Captain Joe Hull, who lifted the trophy, said: "It was absolutely brilliant, the job today was to get it done, and we did it. Let's go again next season!

"A play-off spot was the target and we needed to keep winning and build momentum and that's led us to the title. It's exciting times once again here."

Management committee member Mike Burke said he was "proud of what we achieved this season".

He added: "This was more than we could have asked for and we hope to keep the fans happy next season."

Delighted Yeltz manager John Hill praised staff at the club and fans for their efforts during the season in a statement released today.

"The people behind the scenes who work tirelessly for the club and give up so much of their free time... I thank you and hope the title success makes it all worthwhile," he said.

"Once again I thank you all... it's been emotional."

Halesowen go in search of more silverware when they meet Division One North champions Curzon Ashton in the end-ofseason Peter Swales Challenge Shield on Saturday at The Grove.

Belper Town: Low; Pride, Cullingworth, Marrison, Watt (Davis 45), Jones, Cole, Warne, Froggatt (Duncum 76), Wells (Ward 64), Harrison. Subs not used: Flint, Ratcliffe (gk).

Halesowen Town: Sargeant; Green, Charlton, MacKenzie (Gueyes 87), Hull, Tilt, Griffiths, Tonks (Forde 76), Christie, Haseley (Danks 82), Turner. Subs not used: Kelly, Pearson (gk).

Referee: Ollie Yates. Attendance: 537.