AFC Sudbury manager Jamie Godbold was, like his players, overjoyed at the final whistle on Saturday.

His team had beaten Tilbury 1-0 to seal the Ryman North title, promotion to the Ryman Premier, as well as smashing through the 100-point barrier.

It was an emotional afternoon for Godbold, who took over the reigns at Sudbury in the middle of January last year.

Along with assistant Andy Reynolds, he has done a fine job to turn the side into champions.

“It’s been worth the wait and it’s a big weight off our shoulders to at last get over the line,” he said.

“We have had a terrific season, no-one can say otherwise but to win the title so quickly as we have is a bit of a surprise for me.

“I’m so glad for the players and the fans and for all the good people who do so much at this club.

“Today’s game was never a classic but we half expected that to be honest.

“When I came to the club, I knew we had a great set of players to take the club forwards.”

Sudbury striker Craig Parker, whose goal sealed victory said: “It feels just brilliant.

“The spirit in this side has been first class throughout.

“Right from the first training session on the first night, the boys have all responded so well.

“I’m pleased to get the goal. I have a knack of being in the right place at the right time and it happened again.

“I’m definitely looking forward to next season playing back in the Ryman Premier.”

Sudbury ‘keeper Marcus Garnham, who rejoined Sudbury in October after a spell at Lowestoft Town admitted: “Quite honestly I should have never left the club.

“The game today was never going to be pretty on this pitch. But we have proved we can mix it up when we have to, play football and grind out results, as we did today.”

Sudbury are at Bury Town on Wednesday night in a league fixture. After that they have two more Ryman North fixtures left against Harlow and Phoenix Sports.