Consett Reserves’ hopes of a league and cup double were ended tonight after they lost 3-1 at home to leaders Deerness Valley.

Gavin Scott’s side needed to win their last three games in order to be crowned champions in their first season in the Wearside League 3rd Division.

But they will have to settle for promotion and the chance of a cup win after slipping to defeat against Deerness, who went 10 points clear at the top, with their fixtures completed.

The visitors got off to the best possible start with a goal inside two minutes, when Consett’s keeper could only push a fiercely-driven cross into his own net.

Top scorer Jamie Edmunds had a great chance to level in the ninth minute, but his shot was cleared off the line.

Deerness scored again in the 24th minute to put themselves firmly in the driving seat, and it remained 2-0 at half-time.

Consett came out quickly in the second half, and got a foothold back in the game on 47 minutes when Jacob Kennyford headed in from a free-kick to make it 2-1, pictured top.

They pushed hard for an equaliser, but Deerness held firm, and made sure of the win in the 87th minute when a free-kick drilled in low and hard from the right evaded everyone and ended up in the net to make it 3-1.

The only team who can catch Deerness now are third-placed Barnard Castle, who need to win their last four games to snatch the title – with their final game being at Consett.

Consett Reserves are assured of promotion, and could still finish as runners-up, though that now relies on Barnard Castle’s results as well as their own.

The young Steelmen’s next game is away at Billingham Synthonia AR on Saturday, 6 May, before they complete their league fixtures at home to Barnard Castle on Saturday, 13 May (KO 1.30pm).

And they could still end the season with some silverware, as they take on Chester-le-Street United Reserves in the Division Three Cup Final at Belle View on Thursday, 18 May (KO 7.30pm).

• Picture courtesy of Kenny Taylor.