Brockenhurst 0 Whitchurch United 2.

TWO first half goals from former Saints youth striker Sam Argent sent Whitchurch United back to the Premier Division of the Wessex League after a wait of almost two decades and set up dual celebrations as they and Brockenhurst went up together.

It was a day of contrasts as Whitchurch needed an unlikely four goal win over the home side who had not conceded a goal in five games to snatch the title while Brock simply needed to avoid defeat by that margin to be crowned champions having gone close last season.

Add in a violent hail storm topped and tailed by spells of bright sunshine and the possibility that Team Solent could pinch the runners up spot if they won at Pewsey and Whitchurch lost, and it was difficult to keep track of the game.

Incredibly, with Whitchurch 2-0 up at half-time manager Jim Macey gave his side the option of going for the title in the second half knowing that Brock could not afford to leave room at the back but in the end they shut up shop and there were few chances and both sets up players celebrated on the pitch at the final whistle.

Macey admitted: “Earlier in the season when we were ninth nobody saw that coming! My players have been magnificent and have been a credit to the club. Everybody has contributed but Chris Smalley has come back and been superb while Adam Everiss has brought a lot to the squad and Luke Walker’s last ten games have made a big difference.”

“At half-time I asked the lads to have a go at the title but we are chuffed with runners up.”

Argent opened the scoring with a deft free-kick after 20 minutes and doubled the lead when he sneaked in to toe poke home after a defensive mix up just past the half hour. An hour later promotion was theirs.

Full report and more reaction from Whitchurch in Friday's Advertiser