TENBURY United joint manager Nick Stocker admits the players had double cause to celebrate after rounding off their Herefordshire League Premier Division campaign with a win on Saturday.

For not only was the 3-1 victory over neighbours and rivals Tenbury Town but it also wrapped up a top three finish for a third successive season.

“We have shown that we can compete with the leading clubs once again but we just need a bit more consistency to take us to the next level,” Stocker admitted.

“It has been an interesting season. We were up there at one stage but we always seem to have a poor spell over Christmas. At one stage not too long ago it looked as if we would finish sixth so to finish where we did then we have to be pleased.

“The frustrating thing is that we have dropped points against some of the lesser sides. Wellington Rangers won the league and we’ve taken four points off them.”

United had romped to a 5-1 win against their town rivals less than a month ago when Alex Lombardi led the way with a brace. But Stocker said this match was a far tougher test and it took until five minutes before half-time before they opened the scoring, Jordan Morris bundling a corner over the line.

Both keepers played their part with Town’s Matt Harber doing well to keep out a Mark Boucker effort while at the other end, Luke Gill saved well from Ian Patterson.

A change of formation for the hosts didn’t go to plan and Town levelled early in the second period when Alex Bright scored.

But Stocker shuffled his line-up again and United struck twice in the final stages to wrap up the win. Boucker restored the lead with a fine strike following good work from Chris Patton who then completed the scoring when he turned in a Rob Hill cross from the right.

“We won it late on but it was a really tough game for the opening 70 minutes,” the United boss added. “We had played a lot of games in a short space of time but then nothing for 15 days going into this game.

“It took us a while to get going but they were up for it and didn’t allow us to play.”

And he admitted he already had an eye on next season.

“We will have a few weeks off but the players are keen to keep going and it helps when there’s a tournament like the World Cup going on as everyone wants to get playing again.”

Orleton Colts also rounded off their Premier Division campaign on Saturday, losing 4-0 at Ledbury Town.

But there was better news from Orleton Colts Reserves who ensured a top six finish in Division One thanks to an excellet 8-0 win at home to Holme Lacy Reserves. Corey Whitticase hit a hat-trick with Corey Whitticase netting two of the others.