Saga Sports 2 Canterbury City 9

AFTER his amazing seven-goal haul secured City the title, Royston Gough dedicated his performance to his grandfather who had died just days before the game.

The win sealed the British Energy Kent County League Division 2 East title in the club’s first season since reformation.

City manager Dave Fairclough said: "Royston has improved as the season has progressed. He has also improved his fitness which means that he is a nightmare for defenders over the 90 minutes."

Fairclough’s only concern now is that more established clubs may try to entice him away.

Gough overtook Wayne Fittall as the club’s top-scorer with 24 league goals, plus eight more in cups with three league games and a cup final still to be played.

Fairclough had altered the team by bringing in Lee Austin as a strike partner for Gough. Austin had briefly left the club but his value to City as a strong foil to Gough’s pace was clear to see.

Dave Reed and Michael Seager also added quality to the side, while Scott Lawford had a fine match setting up the attack.

Hoping to put on a fitting championship-winning performance, City were delighted to find the Bishopsbourne pitch among best they had played on all season.

However, they were shocked to find themselves a goal down within two minutes after the defence gave the ball away and Herve Fuchey scored.

With City playing their favoured 4-4-2 and with Gough, Austin and Lawford buzzing, Saga never looked like being a game-long threat.

Gough equalised after eight minutes with a splendid cross-shot and from then on, City’s pace stretched Saga in all areas.

He slid in a second goal before completing his hat-trick with a header from a corner.

Saga threatened occasionally but it came as a complete surprise when Lee Heales blasted a 30-yard shot past Danny Black.

City were shocked into playing their best football of the match, Gough sped down the right, cut in and clipped the ball in.

Lawford then put Reed through and the midfielder cut inside and slammed home the fifth.

Austin confidently slipped past the Saga keeper for the sixth while a low cross from Reed saw Gough net his most comfortable goal before he rounded-off an astonishing day’s work by twice stylishly lifting the ball over the oncoming keeper.

City: Black; Baker, Brooke (McGeehan), Hodge, Maxted (Bonneywell), Lockhart (Solly), Reed, Lawford, Seagar, Gough, Austin.