Whaley Bridge secured fifth spot on Saturday after a flurry of second half goals saw them ease to victory over Poynton on Monday.

Goals from the Burgess brothers bookended Dan Christie and Bill Sutton strikes to earn the visitors their fourth consecutive win in their penultimate game of the season.

On a difficult surface both sides tried in vain to get to grips with the bobbles which plagued the first half but despite losing the midfield battle in the early stages, Joe Burgess almost put Whaley ahead but he squandered a good chance when clean through on goal.

Ray Dwolitka also had a chance but his effort was saved at the far post by the scrambling goalkeeper.

James Tattersall was called upon to tip an effort by Poynton’s Hurst over the bar as the teams went into the break level.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Joe Burgess again having an opportunity to break the deadlock; he beat the ‘keeper but saw his shot bounce wide.

With 25 minutes to go it was a case of third time lucky for Burgess who held off a defender in the box before unleashing an unstoppable volley with his back to goal which rocketed into the top corner.

Substitute Dan Christie doubled the visitor’s lead shortly afterwards, latching on to James Gemmell’s diagonal ball before finishing in characteristically cool fashion.

Gemmell’s left foot caused more problems for a labouring Poynton side ten minutes later, his pass set Joe Burgess free and his direct running caused him to be bundled over in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

The usually reliable Sutton stepped up and saw his kick saved but he reacted to tap in the rebound.

The scoring was completed by George Burgess, a cut back from his brother was met with a low finish into the bottom corner as Whaley ran out 4-0 winners.

Whaley round off their season with a trip to Rudheath on Saturday and will be looking to make it five consecutive wins and avenge their defeat in the corresponding fixture.

Team: Tattersall, Gemmell, Newton, Moss, Whelan (Bailey), Brown, G Burgess, Broome (Gregory), Sutton, Dwolitka (Christie), J Burgess

Man of the Match: Joe Burgess