PICKET Piece Social manager Guy Rutter bowed out on a triumphant note after his side clinched the ADL title for the first time with last Saturday's narrow 2-1 home win over Inkpen Exiles.

Goals from Bob Bannon and Iain Small gave Social victory but Rutter admitted that it was the worst that his side had played all season. "We've never beaten Exiles before and they were unlucky not to have won as they played the better football but I was delighted for my lads," said Rutter.

He will be stepping down at the end of the season after six years as manager due to working commitments but will continued to help out with the ADL Representative XI if required.

Rutter also delivered a parting shot at the NHL. "The NHL does not seem to be going anywhere and the rules are in place to form a senior division in Andover and would undoubtedly improve the standard of the local league."

Vernham missed out again on yet another trophy when they lost to Winchester side Hyde United in the second round of the Alex Hopkins Charity Shield but could clinch runners-up spot to champions Picket Piece if they win their last two games .

Inkpen Sports are currently in second place and they finished their campaign with a 3-1away win against King's Somborne Res, with Lee Tarrant scoring the Somborne goal with a delicate chip over the 'keeper after beating the offside trap.

In the second division, champions Ram Inn were pushed all the way when beating Over Wallop 4-3 in a typical end-of-season game. Two goals from Dean Cresswell and a rare headed goal from Steve Heatley kept Wallop in the match and Steve Durrans hit the crossbar, but Wallop were unable to force the equaliser.

ADL Cup Finals

Andover Advertiser Cup, Whitchurch 'A' v. Ram Inn, Monday, 22 April, Stockbridge (6.45pm).

Andover League Cup, St Ives (Andover) v. Inkpen Sports, Thursday, 25 April, Stockbridge (7.30pm).

Alex Hopkins Charity Shield, Friday, 3 May, Stockbridge (6.45pm) - finalists not yet known.

Andover Open Cup, Winchester City v. King's Somborne; Foxcotte Park (7.30pm).