IN surely the most thrilling season in the competition's 37-year history, Canvey's Concord Rangers clinched the title on the final day.

In front of a 281-strong crowd, the league's highest of the season, Concord pulled off a 1-0 win at a Barkingside outfit who had been one of their main challengers for honours.

The victory, courtesy of Danny Heale's 61st minute goal, meant that manager Danny Scopes's Rangers took the crown and place in next season's Ryman One North on goal difference from an Enfield 1893 team that led for most of the term.

The victory was not without its scares as, minutes before Heale netted his 45th goal of the season to match Bowers & Pitsea's David Hope's haul in season 1998/99, Barkingside had the ball in the net.

But the effort came from a throw-in and the referee ruled that the ball had not touched anyone on its way to the net.

Concord captain Dan Trenkel was presented with the Pearson Trophy, the championship prize, while Heale retained the Don Douglas Trophy for being the league's top marksman.

Apart from manager Scopes, chairman Antony Smith and long-serving secretary Chris Crerie, this was also a fantastic triumph for Cowley brothers coach Danny and player Nicky, who teach at Rayleigh's FitzWimarc School.

Both have previously achieved hat-tricks of Senior League successes with AFC Hornchurch and Brentwood.

And now they could do the same at Concord as, having won the league and Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy, take on Eton Manor for the League Cup at Bowers' Len Salmon Stadium on Monday May 5 (3pm).

Following their title triumph, Concord celebrated long into the night at their annual awards presentation at their Thames Road clubhouse.

Concord will not find their triple bid easy in the League Cup final as Eton Manor, who have been based at Tilbury this campaign, finished their best ever season in fourth place.

They beat Burnham Ramblers 3-2 at home on the final day with Anton Stephenson (2) and Jamie Wallace scoring.

Second from bottom Basildon United have had a poor season, but at least finished with an unbeaten run.

They followed Thursday night's 2-2 home draw with Hullbridge by holding Barking 1-1 at Gardiners Close on the final day.

Paul Talbot got their goal after six minutes and Terry Jeffreys can be delighted at his efforts being rewarded with the Basildon programme being voted the best in the league.

Hullbridge ended the season with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of fifth-placed Romford, Daniel Cook scoring their goal.