Pictures of Worthing FC's National South trophy lift - and jubilant Adam Hinshelwood's reaction

They came close last year – in fact they made the play-offs in each of their first three seasons in the National South – but this season they have gone one better and finished top of the pile.

Photographer Jay Wrighte was there to capture the action and you can see his photos of the moment they got their hands on the silverwate on this page.

And what about the manager who has led the Rebels to the highest league they have played in during their 140 years? Adam Hinshelwood.

It’s their home form since Hinshelwood returned in October that’s been key to the title win – they’ve not lost at Woodside Road in the league since Hinsh began his third spell as boss.

He spoke to Worthing FC media to try to sum up what it all meant.

"It hasn’t sunk it yet,” he said as he was interviewed on the pitch sporting his own Worthing FC shirt. “There’s been a lot of heartache over the years having come so close on a number of occasions.

"I’m so chuffed for everyone that works so hard behind the scenes – obviously George, Barry, Ralph, Nathan, Keith, yourselves (the media team) – and for all the supporters for sticking with us – we had a real tough patch in January and this didn’t seem possible.

"I’m so glad the players turned up today and if anything we could have made it more emphatic on the day.

"We’re going to really enjoy it (the celebrations) tonight – that’s for sure. With the early kick-off, it starts earlier!

"The tricky patch we had I think makes it even sweeter.”

How Worthing won the National South title on a joyous final day.

Congratluations flood in from fans and other clubs.

Hinshelwood also found time to congratluate York City – the club he managed in 18 months away from Worthing from the end of the 2023-24 season to the start of this term. He was so close to getting them into the Football League last season – and today they did it, with a dramatic 103rd minute equaliser at Rochdale to leapfron their hosts and finish top of the National Premier.

"Their fans have suffered a lot over the years and I’m so, so chuffed – there’s no bitterness from me – I’m so glad they got over the line as well. It makes it even sweeter.”

Hinshelwood praised the quality of the goals that saw off Ebbsfleet – Joe Cook and Razz Coleman De-Graft both scoring with superb finishes. Worthing don’t do tap-ins in these big games.

The boss said: “We were encouraging Cooky yesterday – we felt there was an opportunity for him to get forward more. And he did that and got his goal.

"Then Razz was superb all day. His numbers this season have been phenomenal – what a player we’ve got on our hands.

"I’m so chuffed for the players because they’re a really really good group of people first and foremost, they work tirelessly.

"And all the backroom staff – Stretch, Olly, Cam, Jon Meeney, Stu, all of them, Brooksy as well – they give up so much time. I’m probably missing one or two – sorry if I’ve missed you! The dedication they show, the professional in their work – I’m so chuffed they get to enjoy today."

With Worthing not having to worry about the play-offs – as they have done for each of the past three years – Hinshelwood said he could now go and support son Jack in Brighton’s Premier League run-in.

"I’m going to enjoy those games with the family,we’ll go up to York and spend some time up there again, and see some friends. I’ll enjoy watching Jack play – and try to lose the two stone I’ve put on!

"It’s been stressful but this all makes it worthwhile, seeing us compete at the top level in non-league football.”