Bells started the brightest and prevented United from settling in to a passing game but chances were few and far between for both sides.

After a goalless first half, United emerged a different side with the words of boss John Beard still ringing in their ears and soon took the lead when Andy Smith's pinpoint cross found Danny Marshall who finished with a bullet header into the roof of the net.

Queens pushed forward in search of the title sealing strike and Smith smashed into the cross bar from 20 yards.

But the United faithful did not have to wait long before the champagne could come out as Wayne Crummack completed a fine move to net his second in as many games.

Bells thought they had reduced the deficit with ten minutes to go but it was ruled out after the ball was punched into the net before their elation was quashed once more when a goal was ruled out for offside.

The three points handed the championship trophy to United allowing them to take a leisurely approach to Sunday's season closer with The Dearne Hotel.

A typical meaningless clash ensued with a 3-3 final scoreline to ensure a six point gap at the top of the table after Bells' midweek stalemate with Dearne.

United wish to thank the Mexborough FA, JJS Scaffolding director Mr T Stinson and other local businesses that have donated money towards equipment that kept the Queens playing surface in excellent condition throughout the season as well as sponsor A Smith Plastering Services.

The main plaudits were reserved for manager Beard who stepped down at the end of the season having built excellent foundations for the future.

With Bells completing their calendar on Thursday, Plough were left knowing exactly what would be required to finish in second place when they met rock bottom Swinton FC on Sunday.

A win was a must and a margin of six clear goals was the minimum requirement while Swinton were looking to avoid finishing the season without a single win.

Ultimately they were both left disappointed as Plough triumphed though only 4-0, to finish the season on a +15 goal difference with Bells above on +16.

The battle for second place also proved too much for Division Two side Jungle as they failed to take six points from their last two games to usurp Mexborough Sportsman.

The week began well for Jungle as they crushed lowly Park View 6-0 in typical blockbuster fashion but they were left disappointed as league champions Conisbrough Alma beat them 2-1 on Sunday to leave them two points shy.

Goldthorpe Comrades finished the season nine points ahead of their nearest Premier Division rivals as they were victorious in two of their last three games.

After beating Telstar on Tuesday, Comrades failed to field a side for Thursday's clash with Groves Social which drastically affected the final league table.

A 3-0 win was automatically awarded to Groves allowing them to leapfrog Westville into second place.

Comrades then pulled together and beat fourth place Swinton WMC 3-0 on Sunday to wrap up the Premier Division action.

* For a full review of the 2007/2008 Churchills Estate Agents Mexborough Sunday League see next week's South Yorkshire Times.