Gallery: Steelers targeting another glory push

The Steelers completed their amazing transformation from worst to first by winning the NFC 2 Championship game.

The Black Country boys ended their promotion-winning campaign with a perfect record after clinching 24-7 victory against Peterborough Saxons at the John Charles Stadium in Leeds.

And now coach and running back Alexander is planning for the step up in standard .

"Of course we wanted to win our division, but this isn't where the hard work stops – it's actually where it begins," said Alexander, who has overseen a massive turnaround in fortunes after Steelers finished bottom of the league last year.

"We have a busy off-season of training, recruitment and committee work ahead of us to ensure that this club is in the best possible position to launch an assault on Division One.

"It's a great step up in quality, and will be a massive challenge for us, but I know these lads – give them a couple of weeks to allow what they've accomplished to sink in, and then they'll be back to training, looking forward to testing themselves against the stronger competition.

"First things first though – we have a well-earned celebration to plan!"

The Steelers were made to work hard for their Championship success by a determined Peterborough outfit.

After a close first half, the Steelers pulled away in the third quarter.

The Steelers were powered by an outstanding performance from the offensive line with running backs Leigh French and Alexander churning out the yards behind some quality blocking, while quarterback Jonny Glover also made some key runs.

However, frustratingly for the Steelers, they were unable to convert any of the yardage into points, as an early a Liam Duncan field goal attempt sailed agonizingly outside the post.

However, Duncan made amends early in the second quarter – splitting the uprights to give the Steelers a 3-0 lead.

Unfortunately the Steelers gave the momentum back on the ensuing kick-off, allowing a long return to set up the Saxons with great field position. Peterborough took full advantage and duly converted their opportunity from short range to take the lead 7-3.

But their lead would last just four plays, as following a couple of Dwain Haughton runs, Glover found his favourite target Drew Newiss, who made an audacious one-handed catch before sprinting home for the touchdown.

A Duncan kick made the score 10-7.

The Steelers knew they needed a big drive to open the second half if they wanted to seize control of the game, and the offense duly provided one when a series of plays finally ended with French adding the touchdown with Duncan again adding the extras.

Sandwell were in no mood to allow the Saxons back into the game, and quickly forced them to punt the ball back. The Steelers again went on a long drive looking for points, and fittingly it was Alexander who claimed the score when he powered over the line.

Duncan added his final conversion of the day to seal a 24-7 win.

Alexander was exceptionally proud of his squad and said: "This is no more than the lads deserved – we have all worked so hard since January to turn this club's fortunes around, from the backroom staff to the coaches to the players.

"We knew Peterborough would be tough, but this season has taught us we can win the tough games as long as we maintain our composure and don't panic.

"I don't think anyone can argue that we weren't worthy winners."