Pitchero Non League

Last Saturday's nervy 1-1 draw away at Corinthian effectively sealed the title for Simon Halsey's young side and they can now look forward to playing Ryman League football next season. It will be the first time in Bay's 125-year history that they have played at Step 4 level and they can look forward to money-spinning derby matches against, among others, Faversham Town, Ramsgate and, most tantalising of all, old rivals Whitstable Town.

For now, however, Bay boss Halsey is just grateful to get the title in the bag.

He said: "It was great to get the point. It was only a draw but as far as Herne Bay Football Club is concerned it was a massive draw. "We're over the line and I'm very happy for my players.

"They've been magnificent all season, both in the league and in the FA Vase. They are both very tough competitions and what we've done this season is a massive achievement."

This is the second time that Halsey has been involved in lifting the Kent League title. He was number two to Marc Seager when Whitstable lifted the famous old trophy back in 2006/07. A member of that team was Tom Parker, the man who scored the crucial goal for the Bay at Corinthian on Saturday.

"Tom's been there and done it," said Halsey. "He's got the kind of experience that has proved vital in winning the league."

Now Halsey is demanding that his players end the season in style by taking a maximum nine points from their remaining three games.

They are away to Greenwich Borough today and Sevenoaks Town next Wednesday.

"Now the jitters have gone and we're across the line I want us to finish the season playing some good football and scoring plenty of goals," he said.

"I'm not expecting an easy game at either Greenwich or Sevenoaks. But for me the season isn't over yet. Now I want us to put some space between ourselves and the runners-up, to underline how dominant we've been this season.

"It's been a magnificent couple of years for the club and we already have one eye on next season. We can't wait."