NEW boss James Smith has been lauded by the man he replaced for giving triple champions Callow End the boost they "needed".

Steve Winfield was the influential gaffer who helped bring together the heavyweights of the Worcester & District League but stepped back to allow Smith to freshen things up this season.

It worked a treat as long-time leaders Oak Apple got reined in with Sunday's 4-0 win over The Bell sealing a third straight crown, a feat not managed since the league formed its Premier Division in 2001.

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“I have been in the background more this time, overseeing things really,” said Winfield.

“We got this team together through a group of mates who see each other regularly and that makes winning it three years on the bounce all the more special.

“To be honest it is beyond all of our wildest dreams and to not be as involved this time and still see the success continue is great.

“James has been brilliant and taken it to another level. It was needed.

“He has brought in players and got us going again. Probably the hardest thing when you have won it two years on the bounce is to keep things fresh and that momentum going.

“James has given us that energy, kept the buzz and enjoyment of playing for Callow End.

“We had been challenged by the likes of Perrywood and Hallow before they folded, Oak Apple were new to the Premier Division and pushed us, so did Fernhill Heath who have a really good side. The standard has been really good so we had to step it up this year."

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Nick MacPherson and Scott Finnegan got the goals that fired Callow End to a seven-point lead at the top with nearest rivals Oak Apple having just two games to play.

Now, attention turns to securing two more trophies and a treble treble on the back of claiming three pieces of silverware in each of the past two seasons.

“There is talk the Vaughn Albone Cup will be ran again and the Bayliss Cup is one we have not won yet so there are still some goals for us to achieve," added Winfield, who also confirmed the club's intention to enter the FA Sunday Cup again next season, the national competition Callow End got knocked out of at the first hurdle this term.

“Even though we got knocked out early doors it was a really good step for us to take, everyone loved it and I think it is one of things that can help to keep the momentum going, give the lads something to look forward to," he said.

Elsewhere, Fernhill Heath Athletic continued their good run of form and remain in contention for second spot thanks to a 10-2 demolition of Northside.

George Coley netted four while substitute Ryan Mapp (2), Matt Andrews, Lee Barmby, Luke Molloy and Sam Carey got the others.