PAUL Rushton believes Tupsley could work their way through the leagues after leading the Hereford side to the Hereford Times Herefordshire Football League Division Three title at the first attempt.

A 2-1 win at Leominster Town Reserves last Saturday secured their triumph – three points ahead of nearest challengers Belmont Wanderers and Dore Valley.

Tupsley are also in the final of the HFL FW Petersen Cup against Orleton Colts Reserves, which will be played on on April 18 at Holme Lacy.

"It's nice to have a side that started from scratch this season," said Rushton.

"For a new side to go on and win the league is excellent.

"Tupsley haven't had a side I don't think locally for at least 10 years.

"The team was the basis of a Sunday league team that we started off probably for or five years ago called the Rose and Crown.

"We decided to give Saturday a go because we were so successful of a Sunday."

Tupsley have a mixture of older and younger players in the team.

Rushton said Shaun Tyler has been the stand-out player of the season.

"He has come on leaps and bounds in midfield and we have built upon a really solid back four with Matthew Hyatt and Steve Phipps," said Rushton.

"And some of the other young players have also come on leaps and bounds, especially Rhys Cooper at right-back."

Tupsley captain Shaun Glover added that it was a privilege leading the team this season.

"The lads have been superb all season and have been very professional," said Glover.

"They have worked very hard and thoroughly deserve to win the league.

"We probably should have won it by more to be honest."

Tupsley were never really in trouble against Leominster and thoroughly deserved their win thanks to a brace from Adam Pritchett.

The striker opened the scoring after 33 minutes when he flicked the ball through the legs of Leominster goalkeeper Keaton Mclay after his initial effort was saved.

Tupsley only needed a point to secure the title and the goal settled their nerves after they missed an earlier penalty.

The away side were awarded the spot-kick after nine minutes after Tyler was fouled by Todd Haywood.

But Glover could only drag his effort wide.

Belmont Wanderers, who would win the league with a win against Malvern Vale if Tupsley lost, were 7-1 to the good at half-time.

But Tupsley went on to increase the lead 11 minutes into the second half thanks to another strike from Pritchett.

Leominster, who made a string of substitutions in the second half, made a game of it when Ben Ramos converted a penalty 12 minutes from time after Ethan Wickham was upended, but Tupsley held on and seal the league title.

Belmont Wanderers will join them in Division Two after thrashing Malvern Vale 12-2 thanks to goals from James Titley (4), Jack Tomlinson (4), Dermot Clarke (3) and David Price.

Belmont scored an astonishing 95 goals in their 18 games to finish second on goal difference ahead of Dore Valley.

"We are proud of the boys for achieving promotion in our first season playing on Saturdays, after coming over from the Sunday League," said Belmont manager Daniel Pitt.

"We would like to congratulate Tupsley for winning the division and we very much look forward to competing in Division Two, where we are aiming to get back-to-back promotions."

In the league's other game on Saturday, Ledbury Colts beat Weston 4-1 thanks to finish fourth in the division.