Luctonians win 18-10 at Stockport to secure promotion

Luctonians have twice previously missed out in the play-offs

Luctonians won promotion to National League Two for the first time in their history after a tense 18-10 win at Stockport in their play-off decider.

After two previous failed play-off attempts, Lucs captain Steve Jacques was delighted by the success.

"Words don't express how I feel at the moment as I am in a world of pain but that is overshadowed by joy," he said.

"I am the proudest man in Herefordshire if there any in Herefordshire as most of them are here."

The north Herefordshire-based club's success was all the more remarkable as they lost their first four league matches of the National League Three (Midlands) season.

But they regrouped, finishing the season strongly by beating bottom side Bedford Athletic 108-6 and then champions-elect Ampthill 53-0 to clinch the runners-up spot.

Chris Jacques predicts that the step-up in class will clearly be a test for what is essentially a village club but it is one he and his team-mates are relishing.

"It is onwards and upwards," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester. "We have always wanted to go up as a group of players.

"We are amateurs and don't get paid but we have always wanted to go forward and the club have said they will back us.

"That is not an issue for us and we are just going to turn up next season when the challenge is going to be twice as big.

"But we are going to have one heck of a go at it."