VAUXHALL FC's amazing end-of-season run climaxed on Saturday as they became mathematically certain of a place in the new Conference Division Two North for 2004/05.
Less than three months ago, the Motormen were languishing third from bottom of the UniBond Premier Division table, with new manager Owen Brown still searching for a league win after a dozen outings.
But since grabbing their first success, 3-2 against Southport on January 31, the side has embarked on a sparkling run, which if maintained over the entire course of the season, would have clinched them the championship.
The Motormen lost just two of their final 18 games, winning 12 and drawing four, picking up 40 points and ending the campaign unbeaten in 12.
This contrasts starkly to their record before the Southport match, which read P25 W6 D6 L13, giving them just 24 points and an average of less than a point a game.
Brown said: 'It's great that we've done it and I'm made up for everybody at the club. It means so much for all the people who volunteer their services to Vauxhall FC and they've all been fantastic with me since I arrived. All credit to the players for turning things around and they deserve their pats on the back for the unbeaten run they've put together.
'We've ended the season with confidence and momentum and have seen off some good sides both home
and away of late. I always thought there was quality here but with the introduction of some new faces alongside what we'd already got, it made a real difference and we're thankful to Crewe for loaning us Mark Roberts as the lad has been fantastic.'
With their place in the Conference North assured, a target that had seemed a long way off just a few weeks ago, Brown is looking forward to the new challenge that lies ahead in August.
He said: 'It's going to be a strong league with competitive players and difficult opponents, but I'm looking to add to our strength throughout the summer and if we can continue our form of the past couple of months into next season, then we should do well.'
Vauxhall complete the season on Saturday with a trip to bottom club Wakefield & Emley.
