DAVE Diaper has described Sholing’s runners-spot in the Sydenhams Premier Division as “an achievement to be proud of.”

Blackfield & Langley’s 2-1 defeat in their final game of the season at Fareham Town last Thursday ensured it was the Boatmen who held on for second spot behind champions Salisbury.

Proud manager Diaper said: “We started the season with modest expectations as this was year one of a three-year plan where we were hoping to develop our young players by giving them the opportunity to play at Wessex Premier level.

“We have not only achieved this, but we have finished runners-up.

“This is an amazing achievement that we should all be proud of.

“The senior players have had a great attitude and have led by example by their professionalism.

“They are great role models for our younger players to follow and this has been demonstrated in the togetherness in the changing room.”

Sholing ended their season with ten wins from their final 11 matches, including the last eight in a row, as they finished 20 points behind Salisbury.

Blackfield’s hopes of runners-up spot were scuppered when they fell two goals into arrears at Fareham (Sam Martin, Simon Wood). Sam Poole bagged their 90th-minute reply.

The Watersiders finished third, a point ahead of Andover Town who will have to wait for a shot at Southern League football.

Aside from champions Salisbury, Andover were the only club left angling for promotion, but fourth spot will not be good enough.