GARY Rishton is backing Haslingden St Marys for another promotion tilt in the West Lancashire League after guiding them to a league and cup double in his first season at Townsend Street, writes Tony Dewhurst.

Rishton is well known on the non-league circuit, having played for Hassy, Bacup, Rossendale, Clitheroe and Colne, but now he is creating an impressive management CV of his own.

“It is a great achievement, the players should be very proud of themselves,” said the Haslingden boss, who claimed the March manager of the month award, while his side also gained the team of the month prize.

“Haslingden has been in decline, having dropped down from the Premier League to Division Two, but suddenly we are back on track again and that’s great to see.”

Haslingden racked up close to a century of goals on the way to the title - Mike Saunders (25), Scott Wylie (25) and Thomas Hulme (20) leading their Division Two title charge - but Rishton says his side are capable of more than consolidation next season.

“Haslingden’s my hometown club, I wanted to give something back to them and, providing everybody re-signs for next season, I think we can challenge again.

“We only lost twice in the league, were unbeaten at home and picked up the Challenge Cup, so the players responded superbly.”

Haslingden can look forward to fixtures against local rivals Mill Hill St Peters and Hurst Green in Division One next term.

Mill Hill narrowly avoided the drop, finishing just outside the bottom two, but Hurst Green enjoyed a fine campaign, ending the season in fourth position.

In the top flight, Burnley United will be confident on building on this season’s eighth position, providing they can add one or two fresh faces to their squad.

Longridge United, meanwhile, who had threatened a top three finish for so long, dropped out of contention after suffering eight defeats in their final ten games.