Falcons are flying high after being crowned Cheltenham Football League Division One champions – but their title hopes nearly came crashing down to earth on the final day of the season.

A 2-1 defeat at home to RSG while nearest rivals Welland were winning 3-0 against visiting Kings brought the two teams level on points and goal difference, which meant the title was decided on goals scored.

Fortunately for Falcons supporters they had scored 45 goals to Welland’s 42, so the trophy, and with it promotion to the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division Two, went to the Charlton Kings-based side.

“There were a few anxious moments,”admitted Club Secretary David Ruck. “By coincidence we had someone at Welland who was keeping us informed of the score.

“We did our best to keep Welland’s score from the manager [Andy Davies] and the players but there were a lot of nerves on the touchline.

“A few of us were doing the maths in the last 10 minutes and it was a very anxious time.”

If the title  had been decided on their head-to-head records once they’d finished level on points then there would have been a lot less pressure for Falcons followers.

That’s because Falcons beat Welland twice – 3-1 away on November 5 and 2-1 at home on March 25.

“We were the only team to beat Welland in the league all season,” said Ruck. “That game in March was the pivotal moment in the season.

“It had been close between us all season but for quite a while they held the edge on us.

“We started the season quite poorly and lost our first couple of games.

“But from November 19 we won every game and that took us to the brink of the title.”

Last-match nerves obviously played a part in their surprise reverse to mid-table RSG. “We couldn’t even score ourselves,” chuckled Ruck. “Our goal came from an own goal.”

That last-day defeat in no way detracts from what has been an outstanding season for Falcons.

Founded in 1989 they were in Division Three 10 years ago but have been upwardly mobile over the past decade.

Their manager in those days was Martin Gulliver, who is now the Club Chairman. He guided them to Division One where they have been for the past six seasons.

He was in charge for the first four seasons of the club’s time in the top flight before handing over the reins to Davies in July 2015.

“We’ve always been pushing and pushing,” said Ruck. “We’ve always been up there with the top three or four teams and to finally make it is a great feeling.

“Andy Davies has worked with a tried and tested squad although he has brought in a few new faces.”

For some of the players, it has been a long – although enjoyable – journey.

“Defenders Richard and Simon Woodley have been with the club since the early days,” said Ruck.

“They’ve been fantastic for us as has goalkeeper Jake Pedlingham who has made some exceptional saves this season, especially when games have been in the balance.”

At the other end of the pitch the club have been indebted to Alexander Newport-Black, who scored 14 goals this season.

The team have played in a 4-3-3 system this season and Newport-Black has operated on his own up front.

“He’s a nippy, mobile striker,” said Ruck. “He runs the channels well. And the two wide boys, Chris Lee and Connor Linham, have contributed goals as well.”

Ruck is confident that the club will hold their own at the new level next season.

“I think we’ll be okay,” he said. “The teams that get promoted from the Cheltenham League tend to do alright. They are always well prepared.

“We want to establish ourselves in the division first and foremost. We’re a very ambitious club and we’ve been slowly moving forwards over the years.

“We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made and we’ve had great support from our sponsor Turier Scales.”