BURY'S Under-18s side have been crowned league champions after Wigan Atheltic lost their final game of the season.

The Latics needed just one point for the title but lost 1-0 today against third-placed side Rochdale.

Ryan Kidd's youth team won 20 of their 30 matches, beating bottom club Morecambe 5-0 in their final game to set up a tense finale to the Football League Youth Alliance North West campaign.

A spokesman for the club broke the news on Twitter: "An outstanding effort from Ryan Kidd, his staff and players - what an achievement - CHAMPIONS."

The senior team can take a giant step towards automatic promotion from League Two tonight with a victory against Southend at the JD Stadium.

Bury's youth players will do a lap of honour before kick-off.

And David Flitcroft's men will be hoping to continue the feelgood factor by claiming the three points they need to leapfrog third-placed Wycombe.

Bury are two points behind with a game in hand and three matches of the season remaining.

Chairman Stewart Day is offering free entry to all fans for tonight's match, kick off 7.45pm.