Peacehaven boss Darren Guirey insists hard work has been the key after his side put heartbreak behind them to be crowned division two champions.

Guirey’s side missed out on promotion on goal difference last season to a side who could not go up due to their facilities.

They made no mistake this time around, clinching the title with a 1-1 draw at home to Crawley Down who are also promoted.

Guirey said: “We have deserved it. We have been the best team in the division.

“After missing out last season in the way we did, everyone has worked really hard and it has paid off.

“I have got to give a lot of credit to Shaun Saunders who is my assistant this season. He has been brilliant and has made a massive difference.”

Tom Burton fired Peacehaven ahead on Saturday but Sam Cane levelled a minute from time to make it celebrations all round at Piddinghoe Avenue.

Crawley Down could only be denied promotion if they lost their last game 16-0 so manager Paul Otway is rightly proud of their achievement.

He said: “We hold the unenviable record of being the longest serving division two club. Others have gone up or down but we have been in this division for 12 years. We achieved promotion a few years ago but could not go up because of our facilities.

“This is a wonderful achievement and a tremendous reward for the committee who have worked so hard to make the improvements to the ground and to the players.”

Crawley Down’s promotion was assured by Rustington suffering a surprise 4-0 defeat at home to resurgent Storrington, for whom Gavin Bridle (two), Dave Tidman and Richard Ayres were on target.

Bexhill United were relegated after Midhurst and Easebourne beat the other promoted side, Mile Oak, 3-1 to ensure their own survival. James Glue, Tony Stephens and Lee Andrews got the goals with Lloyd Skinner hitting the lone reply.

Elsewhere, Jamal Sultan hit the only goal as Seaford won 1-0 at relegated Sidlesham, Danny Woodley grabbed a brace as Rye hammered Steyning 5-0, while Dan Griffin and Murat Aslan hit two apiece as Lancing beat Littlehampton 4-1.

Chris Simmons hit a late equaliser as Loxwood drew 1-1 at Westfield, who led through Lee Wood.