It was not Heys most fluent or inspired performance of the season. With their three leading scorers absent they were made to work hard by a resolute Wythenshawe side who defended superbly to keep Heys at bay.

However, as they have done all season, they remained focussed, disciplined and stuck to their principles. They kept playing their football and again as they have done throughout found a way to win and so secure a title they have pursued relentlessly all season.

On a bitterly cold evening, Heys started brightly, Max White had a shot held low by Wythenshawe keeper Martyn Blaine and Jon Stephenson just failed to connect with a low cross from White.

However, despite Heys intentions the visitors continued to frustrate. Indeed, as the half progressed the openings came fewer, the hosts perhaps becoming guilty of over-elaboration in their quest to find a way through.

Growing in confidence, Wythenshawe began to get forward themselves on a more regular basis and came close to taking the lead in the 35th minute with a curling Neil Chappell shot that Heys were grateful to see curl wide.

The second half continued in the same vein, Heys pressing and probing but finding no way through the defensive ranks.

Heys success this season, amongst many things has been built on the strength of their squad. Not just the numbers but contributions from all parties. Perhaps fittingly on this title winning night it was the bench that was to play a pivotal role in turning the game decisively.

When the breakthrough came on the hour, it was from an unlikely source. Ash Reece, came on as a substitute for Liam Foster and within two minutes opened the scoring. His 25 yard shot took a deflection on the way but broke the deadlock and gave him his first goal of the season.

With the visitor’s resistance broken Heys added a second three minutes later. It was another substitute who made the telling contribution. A cross into the box ricocheted around before Greg Wills, two minutes after coming on for Brad Lyons, poked home from six yards.

With the title in the bag, the seal was put on victory in the 84th minute. Mark Baguley who had come on for Stephenson, teased the Wythenshawe defence before finding Dalton McLaughlin. The Heys midfielder has delivered some real moments of magic this season and obliged again with a superb clipped, curling shot from 25 yards out that beat the 'keeper all ends up.

The match was won. The title was theirs.