Evo Stik Division One South
Shaw Lane AFC manager Craig Elliott has now won four promotions as a manager
Dan Wilkinson was the first person Craig Elliott thought of when he was heard the news that Shaw Lane AFC were champions, whilst driving on M62.
Elliott and his family were on their way back from the win at Kidsgrove Athletic when Elliott was told that Witton Albion are to be deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player.
It brought a thrilling title race to an end and secured promotion for Shaw Lane, who suffered the loss of tragic defender Dan Wilkinson back in September.
“It was a strange feeling,” Elliott told Non League Yorkshire.
“We obviously knew we had one hand on the cup after the game as it would have taken a miracle for Witton to win it. But we couldn’t celebrate.
“I was driving back with my family on the M62 when I was starting to get missed calls and texts. I spoke to Daz (Smith) and Reedy (John Reed) on the hands free and they both said ‘have you seen the news’? To which I said ‘no’.
“I didn’t want to be believe that it was true. It is certainly the most bizarre way I have ever won a league. It is just a shame that we couldn’t celebrate properly after the game.
“We had heard rumours that Witton were to be deducted points, but I wasn’t sure they were true.
“But it doesn’t matter now. The main thing is we have done it for Dan. He’s been in my mind for the last few weeks. We’ve done it for him.
“He’s been the players’ motivation. I got a text off his parents last night and it was very emotional. I’m just so proud of how we have overcome what happened and won it for him.”
Shaw Lane AFC defender Dan Wilkinson sadly passed away in September
Shaw Lane will collect the trophy on Saturday when Stamford visit Barnsley.
Before then, the Ducks face Frickley Athletic in the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup at Bramall Lane tomorrow.
Elliott has assured NLY that his team will be turning up and he’s eager to win the competition.
“It has been part of our targets,”he said.
“We’ve taken all the cups seriously and and I think winning the league has done us a favour as we can fully concentrate on the final.
“We have a fully fit squad and everyone is looking forward to it.”