United ended the season as minor premiers before taking the crown 2-1 against Denley, the third time in the last three games in a row they’ve won the local derby against Denley by a single goal.

For Denley the match brought to an end the fairy tale conclusion to the season, to come from fourth place and surviving two elimination finals.

United striker Glenn Harpley scored first in the third minute with a blast from 20 metres out. The force of the shot bounced the ball off the keeper’s chest to the find the back of the net.

The equaliser came 10 minutes from half-time when Denley’s Harley Smith followed in a shot by Phil Bennett that was blocked by United keeper Matt Savaro, only for Smith to clean-up and score.

The two sides settled in for a tightly-balanced arm-wrestle, split when United midfielder Brett Hazzard broke the deadlock. Left alone at the back post, Hazzard was on the spot to head away a high cross.

With Barnstoneworth legs starting to tire, Denley peppered the opposition goal.

United keeper Matt Savaro kept his side in the game tapping a string of shots over the bar. When Savaro retired injured, Harpley pulled on the gloves and punched another series of crosses away.

The full-time whistle signalled the start of celebrations for a club now in its 20th year in Orange.

United bagged their first ever premiership in over 35s and Denley midfielder Nick Hyndes picking up player of the grand final, judged by match officials, despite being in the defeated side.