Mill Hill remain on course for a Blackburn Combination treble thanks to a wonderful hat-trick from Mark Grey.

The winger scored three fabulous individual goals including a cheeky lob, a clinical finish and a thundering header.

But while Grey grabbed the goals it was Liam Denning who was the undoing of Ribchester -- tormentor both on and off the ball.

The fiery midfielder was booked for clashing with John Wallace but it was his vision and range of passing that really hurt Ribchester.

Denning played his part in all three of Grey's goals including the defensive splitting pass in the 16th minute that saw the winger cooly lob the ball over the advancing Ryan Peel.

The goal came after a period of sustained pressure that saw Leigh Smith crashed a free kick against the bar.

But Ribchester, who will play in the Premier Division next season, gave a good account of themselves and had chances themselves.

Had Steve Spall directed his lob on target then it may have been a different story. And Mill Hill keeper Lee Gallagher produced a great one handed save to keep out a firm strike from Neil Clayton just before the break.

Mill Hill scored a killer second soon after the restart when Denning's wonderfully disguised chip pass found Grey who fired low and hard past Peel.

Grey was then denied by Peel, Neil Cook headed wide and Denning fired in to the side netting as Mill Hill began to take full control.

But the third goal did not come and Ribchester pushed on thanks to the drive of Steve Higham in midfield.

Ribchester were given a foothold when Craig Shaw's trickery earned a penalty after he was tripped by Lee Gough in the box.

Spall converted from the spot then nearly grabbed a second with a low drive just wide of Gallagher's left hand upright.

It was the closest Ribchester got to an equaliser as Mill Hill regained the initiative before scoring twice in the last two minutes.

Denning's vision set up the third when his driven quick free kick found Grey who scored with a wonderful thumping header off the bounce. Fryer then went in where it hurt to beat Peel to the ball and Cook cooly lifted the ball over the stranded keeper.

Mill Hill have now added the Sports Council Trophy to the Premier Division title and will pick up their third cup of the season if they beat Borough Hotel in the Birtwistle Cup final.

Mill Hill...4 Ribchester...1