Thorn Athletic won the Premier First Division by defeating the Pupils by the only goal of the match today, a victory just about deserved after an almighty tussle.

An early goal was the perfect start for the champions in waiting, a free-kick in the fourth minute flighted to the back post for the incoming forward to score from point blank range. It was a bad goal to lose, ironically, the only time in the match that the home defence was found wanting.

Although dominating most of the possession, Thorn was unable to impose themselves on a solid home defence; however, with a little luck the Johnstone based club could have extended its lead when an angled stike cannoned off the inside of the upright before running to safety.

The Pupils were unlucky not to equalise just before the break, a firm Gary Grumoli header saved in acrobatic style by the visiting goalkeeper.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first; however, as the game reached its closing stages the Pupils went close to equalising on a number of occasions. A resolute home rearguard set the foundation for a last ditch fight back, the Pupils coming good for the first time in the match as the clock was running down.

With seven minutes remaining a deep cross and first-time strike cannoned off the Thorn defence, this, before a second shot on goal from the incoming Gary Grumoli was hacked off the line to safety. From being comfortably in control a few minutes earlier, Thorn was now fighting to stay ahead as the home team mounted a last ditch attempt to save the match.

With minutes remaining a perfectly flighted free-kick almost brought the equaliser, a far post header from Alex McPhee flying over the top in what proved the last action of an extremely tight match.

The narrow win was enough to give Thorn this season's league championship, a day in which the Pupils celebrated retaining its Premier One status for next term by virtue of results from other games around the country.

The Pupils are at home next Saturday 15th May against Duncanrigg from East Kilbride. The final home game of the season has a 2pm kick off.