CRANFORD Rangers needed to win by a two-goal margin to clinch the league title in the last match of a long season.

The pressure of this knowledge was evident in the first 20 minutes as an anxious Rangers side tried relentlessly to break the deadlock.

Cranford's pitch became ever greasier as the rain continued to fall and chances slipped by for the home side.

Eventually it was Mark Potts who opened the scoring when he rammed the ball home at the third attempt.

Barnhill soon added the all-important second when he volleyed home a poorly cleared corner.

Rangers visibly relaxed and began to exert their slick passing style on the game.

However, after the break Townsend dug in and began to put the champions-elect under pressure.

Fortunately for Rangers, the match was secured when Long raced onto a flick-on from Barnhill and finished superbly in the bottom corner.

Thornley finished off a fantastic day when he lashed the ball into the top corner for the fourth.

The final whistle was greeted with scenes of jubilation and Cranford were rewarded with the league trophy.

Rangers are already looking forward to the challenge of retaining their title next season.

The team thanked Alan and Margaret at the Builders Arms and their sponsors Inst Electric Services Ltd and Tiffany's Card Shop.