Champion feeling for Lowestoft

Lowestoft joint manager Ady Gallagher revealed he would have paid good money to watch the Trawler Boys' Ryman Division One North coronation.

A season's league best 1,139 crammed into Crown Meadow did just that on a sun-kissed afternoon which was the perfect backdrop to fresh title success.

Gary McGee's predatory hat-trick inside 19 first-half minutes and Jamie Godbold's close-range finish had buried Cheshunt by the break.

Under-employed home keeper Andy Reynolds was finally pressed into meaningful action on 53 minutes

to deny Oliver Cleaver before springing a swift counter that allowed Joe Francis to waltz through the Ambers' defence.

Tom Tresarden grabbed a stoppage- time consolation then Steve Velandria struck the base of Reynolds' post but the destination of the title had long been decided.

Lowestoft reached a century of league goals over Easter.

A century of league points beckons if they can mine six from their remaining four matches.

"You have to enjoy days like this because the club has had its years in the doldrums," said Gallagher.

He and Micky Chapman have been the chief architects in the Blues' recent revival.

"We're on a great run at the moment and after what happened with the results on Easter Monday I felt we'd have to make a serious mess of it not to take advantage of that situation. What was important for us was to keep our focus and put in a performance and I thought the boys were fantastic. That football in the first half was excellent for this level of football. I would have paid to come in and watch myself.

"They are a credit to the club and we are so proud of them and what they have achieved," he added.

Gallagher insists there is no magic formula. Attract good people to the club and give them an environment to flourish.

"The contribution of Craig Fleming has been magnificent," said Gallagher. "In terms of what he brings to us and his ability to coach these boys, it is second to none.

"I think it's a lost opportunity for other clubs not to have him on

board because he could certainly do this in the professional game - I've no doubt.

"Dave Carolan has come in on the fitness side as well but they would agree you can work as hard as you like, but without good players you are going to struggle. We have a tremendous bunch which gives Craig and Dave the platform.

"We bring players in who don't want to be individual stars but buy into the ambition of the club.

"The standards are incredibly high from coaching to performance levels. We are really selective about who we bring in and once you have unity and a happy bunch of lads you have a great chance."

Gallagher also hailed the Blues' support which turned out in

huge numbers to watch the championship party.

"We've been threatening to hit a 1,000 all season and we'd put a rallying cry out in the build-up to this game," he said.

"They've responded and anyone who came along for the first time must have enjoyed it.

"Crowds continue going up and up year on year and if we can serve up football like that we can hope to retain some of the first-time supporters alongside the ones who turn up every week and who are relentless. They are mad about Lowestoft. They follow us everywhere and the support at Wrexham in the FA Cup this season will live long in the memory.

"Like everything else connected with the club at the minute, it is on the up, and this is a great place to bring your family and children."

Gallagher and Chapman will pause briefly to savour the latest triumph. Then it's onwards and upwards.

"Myself and Mick will probably have a toast and the boys will celebrate as a group but we've already reminded them they have a game Tuesday," he said.

"Back-to-back promotions is some achievement but I feel this team is in its infancy. There are not too many changes needed for the future.

"Maybe there were questions

when we reached the FA Vase final about could we take it on again but there is a lot of hunger and desire to win more trophies and be more successful.

"I'm chuffed for everyone from the groundsman to the chairman and anyone involved in any capacity. They have all contributed.

"We've already been talking about final outcomes and scenarios and we have ideas now about how we want to improve and take it on again.

"We are constantly assessing ourselves and everything that is going on at the club because we want this club to be better."

Lowestoft: Reynolds, Mitchell, Smith, Holt, Crane, Halliday, Godbold, Fisk, Nolan (Bloomfield 78), McGee (Forshaw 78), Francis (Bussens 70). Subs (not used): Cockrill, Potter.

Cheshunt: Williamson, Mountford, Parry, Tresarden, Cleaver, Lumsden (Velandia 76), Thomson (Akinawo 45), Salt, Harrison, Dearie, Light (Stamp 45). Subs (not used): Omand, Dos Anjos.

Referee: D Stobart.

Attendance: 1,139.