Final flourish for champs

Green win last league game before beating rivals to book their spot in final showpiece

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STAFFORDSHIRE County Senior League Premier Division champions Ball Haye Green won their final league game of the season before 24 hours later clinching a place in the final of the Leek Cup.

They fielded a much-changed team against Rocester ahead of their big semi-final against town rivals Leek CSOB.

Green went in front after just two minutes thanks to Taylor McIlreavy before debutant Lewis Wainwright headed home from a Dom Grindey corner in the 34th minute and Josh Oultram then made it three.

Not to be upstaged, Harrison Birch slotted home neatly on 39th minutes to conclude a dominant performance from Green.

The second half saw management team Keilan Bond and Dave Bailey's men make a number of changes before missing two gilt-edged chances to make it five.

Rocester did briefly get back into the encounter when Tosin Makinde hit a quick-fire brace just after the hour mark to give the scoreline an air of respectability at 4-2.

Ball Haye Green finished top scorers for the league season and conceded the fewest number of goals to emerge as worthy Premier Division champions.

And 24 hours later they ensured their season is not over after beating their nearest rivals 5-1 in the Leek Cup semi-final at Pointon Park in Cheddleton.