Belconnen wins first league title in 14 years

The Blue Devils wrapped up top spot in the ACT Premier League in resounding fashion, thumping Canberra City 5-0 at McKellar Park yesterday.

Classy striker Dustin Wells continued his rich vein of form with a first-half hat-trick to give the Blue Devils an unassailable 10 point lead over closest rival Cooma with three games remaining.

Steve Forshaw's men have been the dominant side all season, dropping just one game from 19 this season.

But Belconnen's job is only half done – its next assignment is to complete the double and take out the grand final.

"Some people say the minor premiership is more important because it shows you've been consistent," Forshaw said.

"I'd say, let's win both and we'll have no arguments about it, so we'll try and do that.

"After 14 years, the league championship means a hell of a lot.

"It rewards the players for all their efforts since they started pre-season in January and gives us momentum going into the finals.

"It also breaks the dominance of our great rivals Canberra FC, who have won the minor premiership in the past four or five years.

"Whatever accolades these players get, they deserve."

While Belconnen United has found plenty of avenues to goal, it's been the defence which has been the difference, conceding just 21 goals this season.

Wells got the celebrations rolling within the first 10 minutes, and completed his second brace in as many weeks soon after.

But his third strike, also his league-leading 21st goal for the campaign, will take some beating in terms of quality, a pinpoint lob over City goalkeeper James Ward sailing into the top left-hand corner of the net.

"He does it nearly every week," Forshaw said of Wells.

"He's a phenomenal player and I think he's got the respect of not only his teammates but the rest of the league as well.

"I think people appreciate watching Dustin play."

Ward got his revenge on Wells with a superb penalty save low to his right, but by then the Blue Devils already had four goals on the board.

Misko Naumoski extended the advantage 15 minutes before time in a horribly one-sided contest.

In the pick of today's games, Canberra FC and Canberra Olympic will endeavour to keep their hopes of snatching second place alive when they square off at Deakin Stadium.

Woden Valley can keep in touch of the top four with an upset of Cooma, while Monaro hosts Tuggeranong United in a match with no finals ramifications.

AT A GLANCE

ACT Premier League: Belconnen United 5 (Dustin Wells 6' 23' 43, David Kemp 48', Misko Naumoski 74') bt Canberra City 0 at McKellar Park yesterday.

Today: Canberra FC v Canberra Olympic at Deakin Stadium. Monaro Panthers v Tuggeranong United at Riverside Stadium. Woden Valley v Cooma Tigers at Woden Park. All games at 3pm.