Ryton & Crawcrook Albion have missed out on the end-of-season promotion play-offs after a 3-0 defeat at Carlisle City, who clinch the Ebac Northern League Division Two title and automatic promotion on a dramatic final day of the season.

Despite a strong first half, it was the Cumbrians who edged ahead through Jordan Palmer after 19 minutes. And two goals in as many minutes midway through the second half from Jordan Irving and Aaron Bradbury secured City a comfortable victory. The win coupled with Heaton Stannington’s failure to win at Easington Colliery means its Carlisle who win the championship and direct promotion to the Northern League’s top flight.

Heaton will have to settle for the play-offs and meet Easington again in the semi-finals, while Boldon CA meet Tow Law Town in the other tie in midweek ahead of next Saturday’s Final.

RACA, who finish the league campaign agonisingly in 6th spot, end the season with the Final of the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup against Newcastle University in Birtley on May 13.

Photo: Colin Robertshaw