TIPTREE UNITED have had a season to cherish.

Champions at a canter, Colin Wallington's men have taken division one by storm and never looked likely to release their stranglehold on top spot.

The Jam-makers finished 12 points above nearest challengers Ely City and can be thoroughly proud, not to mention satisfied, with the fact they won 28 of their 36 games.

They drew two, which meant just six league defeats for the entire season - a superb record, despite losing their first game back in August.

Tiptree were dominant from start to finish - also testified by the fact they rattled in 88 goals and only conceded 39 - and much of the praise has to go to manager Wallington.

The former Maldon Town boss moved to Chapel Road last summer and made it clear right from the start that promotion was his one and only priority. He achieved it in style.

Amiable yet straight-talking, Wallington made key signings and instilled belief that his side could make his dream a reality.

And he was aided by some heroic performances on the pitch.

Tom English, rightly, grabbed many of the headlines for his exploits in front of goal.

His tally - 35 in the league - paved the way to title success and he also finished top scorer of the Ridgeons League.

Lee Owen also deserves special mention, having dropped down from Ryman League side AFC Sudbury.

His creativity led to numerous chances and he kept the midfield ticking, also chipping in with seven goals.

On reflection, Tiptree's season was one long success story and the only blip was the fact they found themselves thrown out of the cup competitions for fielding ineligible players.

In league terms, though, they lost their opener at Debenham LC - then promptly won nine in a row. Three defeats in seven games before Christmas proved nothing more than hiccups and they also lost back-to-back games in early March.

But they were the only setbacks.

Otherwise, it was more or less victories all the way and fitting that they blasted 15 goals in their last four games to sew up the title in style.