DURSLEY TOWN lost their final match of the season on Wednesday night as visiting Brimscombe and Thrupp secured the victory that should earn them promotion to the County League.

Brimscombe striker John Dalton scored all three goals to take his tally for the season up to an incredible 46 goals and end the home side's 11-match unbeaten run.

The win secured the visitors' second place behind champions Longlevens, while Dursley drop to fourth behind Kingswood.

Town proved stubborn opponents, especially in the first half, but in the end it was obvious which team were playing for promotion and which team did not quite believe that a third-placed finish was still a possibility.

Brimscombe almost took the lead inside five minutes but Keith Watson turned Lee Pritchard's shot over the crossbar.

Watson also had to be quick off his line to snuff out a couple of half chances that came Dalton's way as the home side struggled to settle.

Dursley's best effort came from James Redman, but his 20-yard shot faded just wide of Adam Thomas' left-hand post.

However, the visitors struck the vital blow with the last kick of the first half.

Pritchard caught Town left-back Simon Miles in possession after Watson's quick throw-out and the winger's low cross was turned in at the far post by Dalton.

Brimscombe scored the crucial second goal five minutes after the break when Eddie Jones played in Dalton and he beat Watson at his near post.

Dursley did their best to mount a comeback, but they never truly threatened former Slimbridge stopper Thomas.

The visitors wrapped up the match 20 minutes from time when Adnan Hiroli breached the offside trap with embarrassing ease, bundled his way around Watson and squared the ball to Dalton, who walked the ball into the net for his hat-trick.

Dursley manager Chris Dolbear said: "We've had a good season, it's just a shame to end on a defeat. It promises to be a stronger league next season, so we have to make sure that we kick on again."

Dursley: K Watson, P Miles, S Miles (N Hart 80), S Clune, C Lindsay, A Nash, J Redman, L Thomas (A Booth 55), S Bennett, W Steel (M Booth 55), M Meta.