IAN Hillman celebrated Sidlesham's title triumph with a quiet beer, then declared: "We've thoroughly deserved this."
The West Sussex minnows clinched the County League division two crown by winning 2-0 at home to Westfield on Saturday.
Veterans Kevin Clements and Calvin Hore grabbed the goals to keep them out of reach of Arundel, who they play today.
As the celebrations kicked off, Hillman enjoyed a drink in the deserted changing room, reflected on the season and said: "It's a lovely feeling.
"The game wasn't the best but we've done the damage over 32 matches. Arundel have pushed but I'm delighted for everyone concerned with Sidlesham."
Victory clinched a league and cup double for Sidlesham but there were some nervy moments before Clements smashed the opener after a nice move.
Hore then curled home a beauty to settle the contest before half-time.
Two Miles Scerri goals rounded off Arundel's 4-0 win at Shinewater Association and added to the home side's relegation fears.
Shinewater need to beat Withdean today to retain realistic chances of staying out of the bottom two.
Lingfield are all but down after losing 2-1 at home to Crawley Down, for whom Danny Kemsley struck twice.
But it is getting complicated in the battle for third place.
Down's win takes them third, but Lancing are still hoping to be awarded two points after alleging Mile Oak fielded an ineligible player during their recent derby draw. That would leave Down needing a point at Arundel next Saturday to finish third.
Such a result may in turn save George Parris' Shoreham from relegation to division two, given that Down are struggling to install floodlights in time to move into the top flight.
East Grinstead had their first home win since September as doubles from James Hylton and Stuart Hardy saw off neighbours Oakwood 5-1. Steve Banks also scored. Crisp finishes from Dave Spink and Paul McMichael sent Storrington on course for a welcome 2-1 home win over Hailsham.
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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