Having suffered heartbreak 12 months ago, AFC Totton finally secured their place at Step 2 following a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Gloucester City in the Pitching In Southern League Premier South play-off final on Monday.
A goal from Ethan Taylor 20 minutes from time proved to be the difference.
“We’ve given absolutely everything over these past two years, so it’s with a sense of great relief and pleasure that we celebrate promotion,” said manager, Jimmy Ball. “All credit to the players for what they have achieved, I am so proud of them.
“There’s no getting away from the fact that we are a big scalp in this League so that’s made things even more difficult for us, but all we can do is accept it and enjoy the challenge that it brings, which is what the lads have done.
“We started Monday’s game really well, particularly in the opening 20 minutes or so. My biggest fear was that we would rue the chances that we missed, especially as our opponents came more into the game as half-time approached.
“We came out for the second half well and then there was a bit more toing-and-froing; it needed someone calm and composed to step forward, and thankfully we had that with Ethan who grabbed what proved to be the winner.
“Once that goal went in, I had every faith in us to see it out. The lads at the back have been solid all season and we’ve prided ourselves on rolling our sleeves up and defending our goal throughout the campaign.
“I am chuffed for everyone involved with the club. The players, staff and their families have sacrificed so much to get us to where we are.
“To be honest, I didn’t need to say too much ahead of Monday’s game. The players were relaxed, focussed and together; I just asked them to go out there and show everyone how good they are, which they did.
“We’ve got a plan and we’ve gone about things the right way here. I am so proud of what we have achieved and now I can’t wait for what the future holds in store.”
IMAGE: Harvey Gerring
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