PILKINGTON FC have been crowned champions of the North West Counties North Division following an emphatic 4-0 win away at Bacup last Wednesday evening.

In a nervy finish to the season, Pilks needed to collect 2 points from their final three games of the season.

Following a 2-1 defeat on derby day at FC St Helens they went onto draw against Darwen.

Pilks were 3-0 up within 15 minutes at Bacup with Callum Laird finishing the season in style with a hat-trick and a stunning volley from Beto Gomes sealed the title.

Pilks started the season with 12 straight wins and at one point were the only team in England to remain undefeated.

They stayed top of the league for most of the season and finished the season with only one loss in eleven games.

Promotion beckons now for the Green Army as they move upto the North West Counties Premier Division and will be next season competing against football giants such as Northwich Victoria and AFC Bury.

It marks the fourth promotion for Manager, Ste Palfrey who said: “We can’t underestimate the scale of this achievement.

"This league is very competitive where teams at the bottom can easily beat those at the top.

"Our target at the beginning of the season was to win the league and this group of lads have been relentless all season in their desire to win the title.

"I’m made up for everyone involved at the Club and we can now look forward to another challenge next season and new grounds to visit.

"We certainly won’t be just making up the numbers either, this club is ambitious and we want to travel through the non-league pyramid as quickly as possible.”