Horbury Town earned the point they needed to ensure they achieved their objective of staying in the Macron NCE Premier Division when they came back from their short trip to Frickley Athletic with a 1-1 draw.

The vital victory over Albion Sports the previous week had set up a final game when the objective was clear – avoid defeat and a top flight place would be Horbury’s again for the 2026-27 season.

They would have stayed up whatever the result with Albion losing again to fill the second of the relegation slots, but Town took matters into their hands and came close to finishing their campaign with a flourish after leading for much of the game at the Westfield Lane ground.

Gibril Bojang, so often the Horbury hero, opened the scoring when heading past the home keeper in the 21st minute and it stayed that way to half-time.

Horbury Town players and supporters celebrate at the end of their final game of the season at Frickley Athletic. Picture: Ty Jowett/ Pixel Perfect Photography

placeholder image — Horbury Town players and supporters celebrate at the end of their final game of the season at Frickley Athletic. Picture: Ty Jowett/ Pixel Perfect Photography

Frickley improved after the break and kept going to the finish, but remained a goal behind until the 90th minute when Charlie Clegg found the back of the net with a well placed angled free-kick.

It made for a nervy added time, but Town held on comfortably and the celebrations could begin after they have secured their Premier place in their first season at this level, ending the campaign fifth from bottom in 16th place.

Although it went right down to the last game it is a fair achievement by the Horbury team who have suffered a number of late goal heartbreaks in matches over the season.

Their finishing goal difference of minus four showed just how competitive they have been with very few teams really turning them over and hopes are high that with a season of experience behind them they can make more of an impact to finish higher up the table next time.

Joe Jagger goes up for a header in Horbury's Town's 1-1 draw at Frickley Athletic. Picture: Ty Jowett/ Pixel Perfect Photography

Horbury now turn their attentions to their presentation evening, which takes place at Rogerthorpe Manor, near Pontefract, on Saturday, May 16.

• Nostell MW still have two games remaining, but will finish second from bottom in the NCE Division One after losing 4-1 at Brigg Town.

Joshua Batty scored all four goals for the play-off contending home team, two in each half and the last couple coming in the last five minutes as Welfare ran out of gas.

The only reply came from Cooper Hall on the stroke of half-time as relegated Nostell showed some spirit.

They are in action at fourth-placed Harrogate Railway Athletic on Tuesday night and conclude their NCE League tenure away to Club Thorne Colliery on Saturday.