A FEW eyebrows were raised earlier this season when Steve Casey decided to join Calne Town instead of several higher league clubs after leaving Paulton Rovers.

There were those questioning his ambition and others wondering whether he had lost his marbles, but it is the defender who is now having the last laugh.

A runners-spot, promotion to the Premier Division and an appearance in the Les Phillips Cup final more than vindicated Casey's decision as Calne rightly cemented their place among the Screwfix League's elite.

Gareth Evans, Gary and Kevin Banks, and Owen Bryan also stepped down a division to help Calne while several others resisted lucrative moves to remain at Bremhill View.

With the best goals for and against record in the division, Calne deserved promotion but it was only sealed by Casey's dramatic 84th minute header in the last game of the season.

Veteran midfielder Robbie Lardner has been their most influential player of the season while Danny Jones was an unsung hero.

Despite penalty shoot-out heartbreak in the Les Phillips Cup final, Calne more than proved they will be a match for anyone next season.

It has been a roller-coaster season for manager Kelvin Highmore and his assistant Simon Hillier but both have come through with flying colours and Calne will be desperately hoping they can hang on to the duo for next season.

Westbury United have endured a season to forget as once again their pre-season title hopes proved a long way off the mark.

After a torrid run of results, including a 6-0 home defeat to Almondsbury, manager Derek Graham ended his three-year reign at the club and was succeeded by assistant Paul Brickley.

Slowly but surely, Brickley started to turn things round at Meadow Lane and with the reserve and first team finally working together after years of disunity the future looks brighter for the White Horse men.

Youngsters Pete Ayton and Paul Beavers have been the finds of the season while Jerad O'Pray's return to fitness has also been a boost.

Biddestone were always going to struggle in their first season in the league but towards the latter end of the season they showed signs of promise for the future.

Winger Luke Gullick starred throughout and remained loyal despite the interest of a number of rival clubs.

Just to finish one off the bottom of the division will be regarded as a victory for the new boys and with a couple more experienced players added to their ranks for next season, Biddestone will be hoping to consolidate.