Three Bridges are champions – and they did it in style at Whyteleafe

As one, all travelling connections celebrated with loud chants of ‘we are going up!’ led by proud manager Jamie Crellin.

Emotional chairman Paul Faili was first to talk publicly immediately after the final whistle. With a tear in his eye he said: “I am a but numb right now. It’s taken five years to become an overnight success.

"Jamie Crellin has led this from the front, it’s his team and his style of football. All we have done is stood shoulder to shoulder with him when he has needed us. When everyone is going in the same direction it makes that journey a lot easier.”

This latest league win, the 30th of the campaign, was typical of many previous games where a solid defence frustrates while forwards come up with magical moments.

There has been the odd bump in the road, but Jamie hasn’t allowed the group to get high after wins or low after defeats. A reality check came on November 1 on a heavy Erith pitch with the hosts in a relegation mire.

Erith battled to a 1-0 victory, but a smiling Crellin said after that: “We were terrible today, so many things went wrong. But we will quickly forget this and move on to two home league games.”

Of course, Bridges went on to win both – scoring seven goals in the process.

Play-off bound Whyteleafe are on the crest of a wave and on Saturday, Bridges were needing to be at their very best to prevail.

A heavyweight battle ensured and for long periods Leafe gave it a real go. Bridges settled first and on 11 minutes Noel Leighton thought he had beaten the offside trap with a fine run and finish. The celebration was cut short with a raised flag.

Hitman and skipper Noel wasn’t to be denied on 41 minutess. A deft right-wing cross was nodded home to get the party started. Moments later his striking partner Reece Hallard hit the perfect curler into the top corner only for the flag to be raised yet again.

Leafe came out full of running and determination for the second half. They showed a lot more cohesion on the ball as Bridges had to go deeper.

On 52 minutes they rattled the Bridges bar and just a few moments later Roberts had to make a great save. Bridges had to soak up corners and a string of free kicks.

However in the true nature of champions they stole the ball, broke forward and scored a fabulous second. Hayden Velvick raced 50 yards with the ball, but his drive was well saved Slav Huk. Undeterred, Velvick followed up to slam the ball into an empty net.

The 100 Bridges fans erupte, the promotion party was under way. Bridges never looked like giving up the lead and celebrated wildly when the whistle blew.

The Sussex football family are lucky to have a plethora of bright young managers plying their trade in the county. It’s all very positive and will stand Sussex in good stead over the coming years.

And 34-year-old Crellin has a golden career ahead of him. He works hard, has nerves of steel and it’s a certainty has the respect of his players and everyone at the football club. Perhaps his greatest qualities are his infectious smile and ever-present polite manners. He has it all.

However, his only thoughts now are taking Bridges to the next level. He said: “I am very proud of all the players. We have worked hard all season, but there was no other option, we needed to take Bridges out of this division.

"While the guys take a well-earned summer holiday Joe Kay (assistant m,anager) and I will be hard at it getting the 26/27 preparation done. For me the most important thing is that this club doesn’t stand still.”

Huge congratulations go to every Three Bridges connection on your Isthmian title and promotion. For me the club have been operating as champions since that 1st 5-0 home victory on day one of the season.

You have handled the season with consistency, poise, grace, sportsmanship and team spirit. Please make sure you enjoy the celebrations to come. It’s been a real pleasure and honour to share just a little piece of that journey with you.