Steyning win Southern Combination premier division crown without kicking a ball

And the crown was clinched without them kicking a ball – when the last team who could catch them at the top, Crowborough Athletic, lost at Crawley Down Gatwick on Tuesday night.

It means they will be promoted to step four of the non-league pyramid – very likely the Isthmian south east division – for 2024-25.

Town’s players, manager Kevin Green, his backroom staff and the club’s fans will all celebrate the achievement at their final game at home to AFC Uckfield on Saturday week.

The title triumph was set up by an impressive win away to another of their closest rivals, Newhaven, last Saturday.

In an eagerly anticipated game that attracted a crowd of more than 500 at Fort Road, the hosts knew even a victory for them would still probably leave the title beyond them.

After a fairly even first 20 minutes, in which Harry Shooman was denied by a fine save by Jake Buss, it became all about the Barrowmen.

The man to break the deadlock was Shooman after a through ball was deflected in to his path and he made no mistake.

The second goal was not long coming, Jack Barnes and Charlie Meehan setting up Mark Goldson.

On the stroke of half-time another flowing Steyning move ended with Shooman prodding home.

A fourth on 80 minutes – a 30-yard piledriver by Charlie Weller – put the icing on the cake.