Hest Bank United win Westmorland Football League Division Three

Hest Bank United FC have won promotion as champions of Westmorland Football League Division Three.

They lifted the trophy at their home ground, the Bolton-le-Sands Community Centre Playing Field on Saturday (May 4) after a 3-2 victory over fellow promoted side Kendal County Reserves, who finished second in the table.

‘The Bank’ will enter Division Two of the ever-growing WFL next season.

Hest Bank were only formed in 2021 and this is the second promotion in their short history.

They started out in the North Lancashire and District Football League, which will fold at the end of this season. 

They won the league’s Division Two and gained promotion in the 2021/22 season, as well as lifting the league’s Steve Presnail Printers Whiteside Cup.

They then went on to finish runners up in the First Division, on the same points tally as league winners Castle FC.

After those two years in the NL&DFL, Hest Bank United moved to the Westmorland Football League last summer, joining Division Three, which consists of 11 teams from across North Lancashire and Cumbria.

They finish the league campaign having picked up 49 points from 20 games and only losing once, which was back in August, away to last weekend’s opponents, Kendal County Reserves.

They have had several memorable games this season - both games against Alston Moor being just two of them.

United beat Alston on the opening day of the season, their first game in the WFL, away from home and got a dramatic win on home turf against them in November.

They took a 3-0 lead but Alston pulled it back to 3-3, before Hest Bank got a winner against a team who were then strong challengers for promotion.

Alston announced last month that they had folded, citing issues with being able to field a team. The club finish the season in mid table after adjustment. 

As well as league success, Hest Bank went on a run to be proud of in the Westmorland FA Senior Challenge Cup.

They beat Division One side Penrith AFC 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw after extra time in the Second Round.

They were knocked out in the quarter final stage to Kendal County’s first team, who play in the West Lancashire League Division One.

Josh Greenall took on the role of captain in the final games of the season due to club captain Tom Jolly being suspended, and he spoke to Beyond Radio after the game. 

“We’re buzzing, we’ve come over from North Lancs and been put in [WFL] Division Three," he said.

“It’s been tough and it’s been a battle but all the jags have enjoyed it and it’s a great league.

“It’s great to get it over the line and get it won.

“Today was a massive game, Kendal County are a good team and they’ve pushed us all the way, we’ll be seeing them next season.

“The highlight of the season for me, aside from today, was the first game against Alston Moor.

“We trekked all the way there, fought hard in the last ten minutes and got the three points at the end of it.”

“We’ve got to keep working and stay consistent, keep our heads on the ground - we’ve done well this season but Division Two is tough so we’ll focus on that and see where we go from there.”

Manager Paul Greenall said: “We’ve challenged all the way through the season, had some good results and not so good results but only one loss through the season.

“The lads have been absolutely fantastic, we’ve stepped up our football and I’m really looking forward to next season.

“This club will go as far as the lads want to take it. We’ve been developing every single year, starting in the North Lancs Second Division and going from there.

“The effort that the whole squad put in is immense really and a testament to the lads.

“[Joining] the Westmorland League is the best decision we’ve ever made. 

“The teams we’ve come up against are very respectful and wherever we’ve been away to, the teams have been most hospitable.

“We’ve not looked back at all.”

Westmorland Football League Secretary Ben Close presented the players with their league winners’ medals and the Division Three trophy.

He said: “We’re always open to new clubs joining, we’re fortunate that we’re in a very good place at the moment.

“We’re bucking the trend in grassroots leagues around the country, we’re growing, we’re always looking for ways to improve and support our clubs.

“Hest Bank applied last season, we came down and did our usual due diligence.

“There were no issues on our part, they’ve come into the league and played good football and everyone at the club has been easy to work with.

“This achievement is a testament to how well they’ve done and they’ve been a great addition to the league.”

The club are now planning for Division Two football next season and are currently arranging pre-season friendlies.