A professional approach to the amateur game is winning trophy after trophy for Heaton United.

Scouting opposition, picking a team based on playing conditions, and fortnightly meetings of senior squad members are all part of the philosophy that keeps United winning.

And win they do.

Having won three Sunday Alliance championships in a row, they now have a chance to win a second double in successive seasons.

They have bagged 121 goals in just 25 games, conceding only 33.

And last year's three-bookings-a-game ratio is down to just 12 yellow cards all season.

"We are a team who like to do things properly," said manager Arif Nazir, who was set to quit three years ago but can't kick the winning habit.

"We try to be as professional as possible. I don't know if other teams are doing what we do, but it is working.

"You don't win three promotions in a row by just turning up on a Sunday and playing the match.

"We prepare properly and that means thinking about the weather, pitch and opposition before picking our side.

"That means giving people a run-out in easier league fixtures to keep them eligible for cups, and that means doing everything properly to ensure we win."

Heaton take on Ring O Bells in the Intermediate Cup at Eccleshill United at the back end of the month and will be scouting their opposition.

"I am confident we can win this final," said Nazir.

"But we will be leaving nothing to chance and will do everything we can to ensure we put out the best possible team for the game.

"We have a very good attitude at this club and we want to succeed.

"What sets us apart from other teams at this level is our ambition and drive."

Andy Yates and Paul Noble have both bagged 29 goals with Atif Hussain getting 16.

One particular difference between Heaton and most other Sunday morning teams is their fortnightly meetings.

Management meet with senior players and junior players on a regular basis to discuss any matters of relevance about the team.

"During a recent run of four wins, there seemed to be a lack of team spirit and morale about the side," said Nazir.

"We were playing well but didn't seem to be enjoying ourselves as much as usual.

"But we had our meeting and sorted it all out. It was a happier team that went out and won the following week.

"It is that kind of thing that sets us apart from other teams at this level.

"We just decided from day one that we wanted to run the team a certain way - and that is what we have done."

Nazir added that the team would be looking to keep the promotion run going next season, trying to take as many cups and trophies along the way as possible.

The team enters as many trophies and compeitions as they are allowed, and that includes playing in an annual charity match to raise funds for a local school for the disabled.

"And we are still looking for more players to strengthen the squad," he added. "You can never have too many quality footballers.

"Some other teams may accuse us of being arrogant, but we are not.

"We are just a side with an enormous will to win.

"And I like to think we show that every time we take to the field for our games, whoever the opponents are."