Terry Brown admitted delight and relief were his two main emotions after guiding Margate into the newly-named Vanarama National League South next season.

The Hartsdown Park boss celebrated with his players, supporters and family after securing promotion thanks to top scorer Ryan Moss’ first-half winner in the Ryman League Premier Division play-off final victory at 10-man Hendon on Sunday.

Top scorer Moss’ close-range strike six minutes before half-time, his 24th goal of the season, proved the winner. Gate dominated the rest of the first half with the 18th-minute dismissal of Hendon striker Aaron Morgan - for a late-lunge on defender Tambeson Eyong proving the game-changer.

He said: “I think it was (a game changer) - they had to play with 10 men all that time, after a harder season than us, and they were camped in our half in the last 10 minutes."

Gate join champions Maidstone, relegated Dartford and Ebbsfleet in a strong Kent contingent next season but Brown, reflecting on his third successful Ryman League promotion campaign, knows already what’s required.

He said: “It’s been a difficult year, we started off very well, winter caught us out, trying to play tip-tappy football, but we got over the finishing line by hook or by crook, beat good Dulwich and Hendon sides, and that really sums our season up.

“I think this is the hardest league to get out of....now we look forward to playing better footballing sides on better pitches which should suit us, because I want to get it down and play.

"We’ll make some changes in the summer to strengthen the squad, and make another concerted effort for promotion. The side out there gave their all on the day, but we must keep improving.

“I am just delighted and relieved to be playing in the Conference again, and we’ll get a side who is well suited to it, and have a good year next year.

“I am looking forward to a break, at 63. I need some time to recharge the batteries, it’s been a long season what with the play-offs and the two-and-a-half week delay - but maybe that did suit us better."

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