The fabulous Baker boys (From Stroud News and Journal)

Fourth promotion in four seasons for high-flying Brimscombe

11:14am Thursday 14th March 2013 in Sport By Ashley Loveridge

PHIL Baker certainly has the midas managerial touch as he guided Brimscombe to their fourth promotion in as many seasons with five games to go.

The Lilywhites rubber-stamped their latest jump up into the Hellenic Premier with a routine 3-0 victory over Cricklade.

The former Brimscombe, Shortwood and Cinderford Town striker said: "It's been a good sustainable rise through the Northern Senior League, Gloucestershire County League and Hellenic West and finally into the Hellenic Premier."

On Saturday, Cricklade had more of the play in the early stages with Jack Allan and Tom Price testing keeper Adam Thomas. Brimscombe settled and nosed ahead in the 15th minute.

Experienced midfielder Martin McDermott dribbled his way into the visiting penalty area and put captain Mishy Green through and he beat Brown in the Cricklade goal. From then, the home side gained a foothold.

David Woodfield's darting runs put the Cricklade defence under pressure after James Tubb had a goal disallowed for offside.

However, Ben Snook made it 2-0 in the 25th minute to calm the promotion party nerves.

The game was over when former Forest Green goalkeeper Lee Pritchard fizzed in a spectacular 39th minute strike for his 25th goal of the season.Baker is confident off the pitch facilities will be completed in time for his side to take their place in the Premier Division.

He added: "We are delighted to have secured a top two place, which is all we can do on the field, now it's over to the administrators to confirm our place in the Premier League next season.

"Our facility is up to scratch to meet Grade G, Hellenic West, and we are aware of the works that are required to meet Grade F, Hellenic Premier. "We will have until the end of March 2014 to upgrade our facility.

"The items include a new spectator grandstand and some hard standing. We currently have a planning application submitted for the new stand, if all goes well with this we hope to start work later this year.

"Although we secured a top two spot on Saturday, we still want to win the league so celebrations were quite low key. Tim Wilkins (coach) had his 50th birthday party at the Hill in Stroud, which we all went along to. If we can secure the championship then I'm expecting some good celebrations."

Baker is still eyeing further Brimscombe success this season.

"We really have so much left to play for, we have a quarter-final game against Cheltenham Saracens in the league cup to play, Wantage Town at home in the semi- final of the floodlit cup and also the championship to compete for.

"Over the Easter period we have four of our final five league games and the two cup games all in a 15 day period, so it will really be two weeks that will shape our season.

"A lot has been made of our strikers and defenders. We are on a club record six straight clean sheets in the league having only conceded 17 goals all season and a lot of that is down to the attacking lads forever occupying the opposition.

"We have four very talented forwards and in Mishy Green , Lee Pritchard and Mike Beckingham-those three have more than 70 goals between them in all completions."