BOSS Ben Sadler paid tribute to his players after Carterton clinched the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 West title last week.

A tense 2-1 victory over close rivals Hook Norton clinched the title for Carterton, who will play Premier Division football next season.

The player manager said: "I am incredibly proud to manage this group of players and they deserve all of the credit.

"A massive thanks to everyone else behind the scenes. It has been a real team effort and I am confident that this club will go from strength to strength."

Carterton won 21 of their 26 games, and after their defeat at Shrivenham back on October 24, they finished the season with 16 wins and two draws.

Needing a draw in their final game to claim the crown, Carterton did not have everything their own way against third-placed Hook |Norton.

After taking a 2-0 lead through Sean McKeon and Nick Thorne, they had resist strong pressure after the break.

Keeper Max Benson saved a penalty from Hooky's Luc Thornton before being beaten by the influential Steve Howkins.

In the dying seconds, Hooky had strong appeals for a penalty turned down, before Carterton could start their celebrations.