By SPENCER HUME

GOSFIELD United have been crowned champions of division three in the Essex and Suffolk Border League.

They secured the title with a 3-0 win at Tiptree Engaine Reserves as second-half goals from Jake Gilder, John Slater and Andrew Turner saw United to victory.

Manager Mark Wiskin said: "It was a great result and meant we were confirmed as champions two games from the end of the season.

"It’s been a hard season and worth it, with some great results and performances, but we have completed our target of winning the league and progressing into the league above.

“We struggled in the first half (at Tiptree Engaine), mostly to complete passes and to penetrate their defence mainly due to the strong wind coming straight at us.

"We created a few long-range shots but didn’t trouble the keeper too much.

"Tiptree had a couple of chances but had set themselves up as a 4-5-1 so didn’t really attack with any real force

"Second half, we had the wind with us and spent most of our time in their half and eventually got our goal from a corner which bounced in front of our captain Jon Slater, who finished on the half volley.

"We then went two up short after a header from Jake Gilder was cleared by the keeper but Jake followed up to scrap the ball into the net.

"Our third came from a nice finish inside the box from Andy turner."

On Saturday, United travel to second-placed Dedham Old Boys Reserves (3pm kick-off).