It was more than fitting that Hayden Catchpole hit a hat trick as Woolverstone United clinched promotion to Division One for the first time in the club's history in its centenary season.

Catchpole, known as 'H' among his teammates, produced a second half performance in front of goal that was the bee's knees, cat's whiskers, and dog's what's its, to ensure Woolverstone secured their highest ever position in the Ipswich and Suffolk League in 100 years.

In a game watched by SIL chairman Keith Norton and his wife Linda, who is the league's assistant secretary, Woolverstone, looked very nervous against good Elmswell side early on and went behind before coming back to win 4-1.

Woolverstone have lost to one one team in the league all season,

and manager Clive Catchpole did not hide his joy after securing the win and promotion. He said: "It feels brilliant and a big relief after last week to lose that game against Cockfield in that fashion when a draw would have been enough. "For the club, the chairman, Dave (Hazelwood) it is absolutely fabulous, They have about 67 years between them at the cub so for us to be in Division One for the first time in the clubs history is amazing for them." Catchpole's second half hat-trick takes his tally for the season to 26 goals in 22 games but he needed to give himself a serious half time gee up after a poor opening 45 minutes. Clive revealed: "It was fitting Hayden got his hat-trick to get us up. He was killing himself at half time after not taking a couple of chances in the first half by his standards. "He didn't sit in with the team talk at half time because he wanted to go and get his head straight in the dressing room but he came back with a great second half performance." Hayden completed his second half triple after putting pressure on the keeper, before cooly taking the ball around him and tapping into an empty net. Woolverstone can go up as champions if they finish their final two games of the season unbeaten, and need just a win and a draw against Melton at home at Hazlewood's Stadium next Saturday and Ipswich Athletic in a rearranged match on April 4. However, Clive warned Woolverstone will need to start better against melton

"We were nervous in the first half and Elmswell pressed us and forced mistakes," he said.

"We said at half time to just settle down and just play our football and I felt we dominated the second half.

"I need to drum into them that we can't start against Melton next week the same way otherwise we will be in big trouble."

United's skipper and keeper Luke Gibbons made a couple of important saves to ensure Elmswell did not add to their early need before Woolverstone equalised through an own goal.

Inspired by the more experienced Aaron Gordon, Woolverstone rallied and showed the unity of a side that many had come through from youth team players together, and their superior fitness to romp the second half.

They even dealt with a pitch invader as a pheasant emerged from the woods at the picturesque ground to take closer look, it flew off and no shots were fired.

Clive believes United can do well in Division One as his core players continue to develop but knows he needs couple more experienced heads.

He said: "We wanted to do it done it in five seasons and we have done it in four and two of those seasons were interrupted by Covid, so this is remarkable.

"We are a young side and can only get better. Yes, we may need to bring in some new experienced player, but we can push on as a club in Division One."

Management and players enjoyed a celebratory few drinks in the Freston Boot after the match to mark the history-making afternoon.

Get along to Hazelwoods next Saturday to see Woolverstone hopefully move closer to securing the Division Two title. It is a 14,30 kick off, entrance is free and there is plenty of parking along the lane going towards the marina.

The nearby Lock & Quay is open for refreshments and lunch, along with The Outlook at Fox's marina.

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