THIRSK Falcons won the Harrogate and District Premier league title for the first time in their 55-year history with a convincing 4-1 victory over their rivals Kirkdeighton Rangers.

And, the Falcons A team capped a great day for the club by winning the Spa Cup.

The game, played Saturday evening at Kirkdeighton saw a young Falcons team beat an older, more experienced Wetherby Athletic A 2-1.

A goal from Kevin Rose, and an own goal early in the first half were enough to see off Wetherby.

The second half was an even-handed contest which saw good performances by young Falcons players Kyle Coetze in defence and Stuart Rose up front.

The victory is all part of a masterplan from a club who just eight years ago were almost relegated from the first division.

MikeWebster, club development manager, said: "It's been a long time coming but it's a great achievement nonetheless.

Full credit to Kelvin Bainbridge and the lads, who have really worked hard especially after the disappointment of being runners-up last year.

"The team are all Thirsk lads and a credit to the club and the way it is run. All of the 16 strong squad bar one have all played football for Thirsk Falcons since they were juniors."

The Falcons are now pushing through their plans to improve their ground, Thirsk Flatts.

Mr Webster added: "The league victory is just step one in the ambitions of the club.

Step two should be the completion of the new changing room facilities at Thirsk Flatts. The bigger goal is to have a new pitch, fully fenced off along with our own club house.

"This has been our aim for a few years now, it's a very slow process but hopefully the League success will spur us on to put more impetus into the project."