BOSS Martin Patterson lauded his Corfe Castle side after they secured the Dorset Senior League title and promotion to the Dorset Premier League, writes GARETH DAVIES.

A dramatic 2-1 win over Chickerell in their penultimate match of the campaign meant Corfe could not be caught by the Chickens.

The league trophy was presented to Patterson and his charges after their final game, a 2-1 win over Portland United reserves.

This latest promotion is Corfe’s third in as many seasons and they are now set to lock horns with local rivals Swanage Town & Herston and Wareham Rangers in the DPL.

“It’s a magnificent achievement,” a jubilant Patterson told the Daily Echo.

“When I first took over we were only saved from relegation to Dorset Division Three by a league restructure, so to now be a DPL club is almost unbelievable.

“When we came up into the Senior League, I was hoping we would finish around the top of mid-table as it’s a decent standard with a lot of reserve sides.

“We didn’t set our stall out to win the league but we’ve been lucky with the players we have and their commitment has been exceptional.

“It means there will be three Purbeck clubs in the DPL which will be make it tough for us. But I’m hopeful we can keep our squad together and flourish at a higher level.”