HARTLEPOOL United's reserve side were yesterday crowned league champions, writes Nick Loughlin.

Martin Scott's side won 3-0 at Grimsby to lift the Pontins Holidays Reserve League East title.

Scott, whose side have suffered just two defeats this season, said: "I have said before you have to look at reserve football for other things than results - it's about bringing on young lads and bringing back injured players.

"We haven't gone all out to win this championship; we have used the games for the right reasons but winning the title is massive bonus. It is reward for the effort that everyone who has featured has given us - everybody has played their part."

Scott's team will face the likes of Sheffield United and Preston next season and he said: "It's a big step up because we will be playing against better players in bigger stadiums."

Read more about Hartlepool here.