JUBILANT Penrhyncoch clinched the Spar Mid Wales League division one title - and promotion to the Cymru Alliance - with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Hay St Mary’s on a tense afternoon at Cae Baker.

With the sides locked in a goalless stalemate, and with time quickly running out, it looked like the Roosters would have to settle for runners-up spot, with title rivals Knighton Town winning 2-1 against Llanrhaeadr.

But three minutes from time, the hosts struck their most important goal of the season, when a cross came into the box, Nathan Warren nodded on and captain Owain James headed home into the net.

They held on for the remaining few minutes, before celebrating the championship at Cae Baker in one of the most thrilling title races ever seen in the Spar League.

Player-boss Gari Lewis, who predicted the title chase would go to the wire months before, could not hide his delight, and it was a proud day for all involved.

Penrhyn, who were given a guard of honour from Hay after the game, showed terrific resolve, and it was never going to easy against a in-form Hay side, that had won 16 out of their previous 17 games.

The Saints travelled with several regulars unavailable but looked dangerous on the counter-attack, with their best chance coming in the 29th minute when Darren Horrigan’s snap shot went over the bar.

Penrhyn looked very dangerous from set pieces, and a Jon Folingo header went close from a corner, and Mattie Davies also almost scored in a goalless first half.

The second half saw Penrhyn secure a lot of the ball, but again Hay countered well when their opportunities arose.

A Brendan Hackett shot for the visitors went inches wide after a one-two with Rob Snedden, and the tension mounted with news coming in that rivals Knighton had come from behind to take a 2-1 lead.

Then, with just a few minutes left, a Penrhyn free kick from the right was cleared, only to be pumped back into the area, and once again it was cleared out to the left.

The resulting cross was flicked on to skipper Owain James who headed home from six yards out to snatch the Spar Mid Wales title and spark wild celebrations.

Holders Penrhyn now turn their thoughts to completing the double when they take on Carno in the semi-final of the Spar Mid Wales League Cup at Llanidloes on Friday, 13 May. The winners of that match will meet either Hay St Mary’s or Knighton Town who face each other in the other semi final this Friday night.

The only downside of their final league game had been that experienced midfielder Bari Morgan, who came into the starting line-up with Josh Shaw and Mark Gornall unavailable, suffered a suspected cruciate knee injury in the first half.

PENRHYNCOCH (v Hay St Mary’s): L Jenkins, E Evans, D James, A Nyhus, J Foligno, O James, J Evans, B Morgan, M Davies, M Mousley, A Lemon. Subs: Mark Gornall, Mike Gornall, N Warren, D Evans, J Shaw.