Hebburn Town were crowned CHAMPIONS of the Northern Premier League East on Saturday and gained promotion to Step 3 for the first time ever, courtesy of a Dean Briggs second half brace!

Aidan Heywood returned to the starting eleven in place of the injured Liam Noble, the only change from Tuesday’s defeat against Ossett United.

It was a fast-paced start to the game as Hebburn looked for an early goal to calm the nerves and inside the opening five minutes, the first opportunity went their way.

Kieran Hunter’s goal-kick over the Sheffield defence attempted to find Olly Martin but Chris Hinchcliffe was quick to claim the ball and release any pressure. A half chance for the visitors and hopefully it would be a sign of things to come throughout the afternoon!

Sheffield knew that the away side were desperate for the three points and they did not make it easy for them as Hebburn had to strap in for a physical battle.

The home side’s first opening came in the 11th minute from a throw in that Benni Ndlovu latched onto but he sent his shot wide of Hunter’s post.

Two minutes later, the Hornets were in again! This time, Martin’s threaded pass through to Briggs was just out of the winger’s reach and Hinchcliffe claimed well.

Hebburn’s defensive capabilities were then tested properly for the first time in the game as a long pass from midfield had to be intercepted by Matthew Elsdon or Ndlovu would’ve found himself one-on-one with only the keeper to beat.

Heywood then made a darting run down the right before finding Briggs who was caught by the defender and a free kick was awarded. Briggs swung the dead ball into the box but narrowly missed everyone at the back post and out it went for a goal kick.

Briggs seemed to be at the heart of anything that the Hornets tried to create during the first half and his effort from distance was dragged wide.

Hebburn started to gain control midway through the first half, but it was the final ball that continued to get the better of them and Hinchcliffe was collecting every cross without a struggle.

In the 30th minute, Jack Hardacre seemed to have Briggs trapped in a headlock and he was wrestled to the ground, but to the visitors' disbelief, the referee immediately waved away the penalty claims.

Another free kick was awarded in Hebburn’s favour. Briggs found Elsdon at the back post who then diverted his header to the edge of the area for a teammate to run onto, Martin was there but he hammered his effort high and over the crossbar.

Just before the break, Dan Groves delivered a perfectly timed cross towards Amar Purewal, but his header was just wide of the top-right corner.

The away side’s best opening so far. Play was stopped in injury time of the first half for Hunter to receive treatment after a knock. The ‘keeper was able to continue and the referee blew for half-time just after. A cagey forty-five minutes for Hebburn!

Sheffield decided to make a substitution during the break as Cameron Johnson replaced Luke Aldrich.

The Hornets had to come firing out of the blocks in search of that important opening goal. The referee turned down more penalty claims from the Hebburn players and fans as Heywood seemed to go down after he was tripped.

A series of corners then arrived! Martin swung in a deep cross but the Sheffield defence remained resolute in their ways and continued to clear. From the second corner, another Martin delivery found Elsdon who rose highest but was unable to keep his header down and his effort went just over Hinchcliffe’s bar.

It seemed only a matter of time before Hebburn found their opener! Daniel Moore made the Hornets' first change in the 57th minute as Liam Murray replaced the hard-working Martin.

Five minutes later, the Hornets had finally found themselves in front! Briggs the scorer! He trapped the ball with his right foot, shifted onto his left, and drilled a low effort under the Sheffield keeper bringing ecstasy to the travelling fans. A big goal on a big day for the football club.

In the 65th minute, a Hebburn free kick was awarded as Jack Donaghy clashed heads with Ben Whelan.

The Hornets continued to push for that much needed second goal as the clock was ticking!

Purewal was able to get on the end of Walton’s cross but Hinchcliffe got down low to scramble the ball away from his near post.

Another Sheffield substitution came with twenty minutes remaining, Jamie Yates entered in place of AJ Greaves.

A few minutes later, Hinchcliffe caused disruption for his own defence! He made a mess of his clearance, under pressure from Purewal and the striker crossed to the back post for Walton to attempt an ambitious overhead kick but the Sheffield defence were on hand to clear.

In the 75th minute, Briggs doubled his side’s lead! He was at the back post to tap home into an empty net to tighten Hebburn’s grip on the title.

Moore found that as the perfect opportunity for a second change as Walton was substituted for Tom Devitt. Sheffield’s final substitution came in the 86th minute as veteran Marc Newsham made his final appearance for the club before retiring and made way for Jorome Slew. Hebburn’s final change was in injury time as Leo Robinson was given a run-out, in place of Heywood.

A day to remember for Hebburn as they conclude the season on 81 points, just one point above title-rivals Stockton Town, on 80. Purewal became the league’s Golden Boot winner, netting 30 goals in 38 games.

A brilliant campaign for everyone involved, thank you for your continued support and lastly, bring on Step 3!

We Are Hebburn Town!

Joint Man of the Match: Dean Briggs and Robbie Spence

Attendance: 812