Last updated 10:11, Wednesday, 23 April 2008

PENRITH TOWN were crowned Northern Two champions with two games to spare last night after hitting North Shields for SIX.

Top-scorer Barry Irving hit a 17-minute hat-trick, Ryan Errington struck two and Pete Ferris scored the other as the Blues romped to a 6-1 victory - their biggest league win of the season.

Town's jubilant players were presented with the Northern Two trophy by league secretary Mike Amos as champagne flowed at Ralph Gardner Park.

Boss Dave Heslop said: “The lads are bouncing in the dressing room.

“They're absolutely delighted and they're deserved champions because their hard work and commitment all season has been brilliant.”

Former Carlisle United youngster Pete Ferris put the Blues ahead on four minutes, before in-form striker Ryan Errington made it two after outpacing the home defence 18 minutes later.

Town keeper James Holland saved his second penalty in two games on 28 minutes saving well from David Little's penalty, just two minutes after he had made a brilliant save from Paul Watson's 35-yard volley.

Errington then scored his sixth goal in three games two minutes after half-time tapping in following good work between Wayne Robertson and Pete Ferris.

North Shields got one back on 52 minutes when Paul Watson converted the home side's second penalty of the night, but Barry Irving put the result beyond doubt with a sublime lob following a poor kick by Shields keeper David Lanning.

He scored his second goal in the 78th minute tapping in a good low cross by Tim Fletcher before completing his hat-trick with another tap-in four minutes from time.

Penrith still have two virtually meaningless games to play against Stokesley at home and Birtley away.

“Bring your boots, you might get a game,” joked Heslop.

PENRITH: Holland, Wilson, Jones, Pattinson, Robertson, Prokas, Ferris (Fletcher 68), Paul, Irving, Errington, Lea (Jackson 80). Subs not used: Blaylock, Thornton.

STAR MAN: Barry Irving. The long-haired striker ran his socks off and scored a brilliantly executed chip before hitting his third hat-trick of the season.

NEXT MATCH: Stokesley, Saturday April 26, World Group Stadium, kick-off 3pm.