Gary McCann and Freddie Hyatt could not hide their joy after winning at Burgess Hill on Wednesday night.

Hyatt noted, "All the boys put in a big shift and we defended very well. A big pat on the back all off the back four and goalkeeper.

"It was a very good team performance."

McCann, looking at the bigger picture, admitted, "I am delighted with the result that makes us safe. It has taken five or six games longer than I - or anyone at the club - wanted.

"We knew, with Farnborough being demoted, that fourth from bottom would mean safety, but I still consider that finishing in 21st place would have been a failure. I told the players and they have responded to me.

"The four points we have taken from the last two matches has taken a huge effort. We have had a number of players who have gone through it in the past couple of weeks, battling illness and injuries, still turning out and giving me their all. It has been a season that has drained us mentally and physically.

"In terms of the squad we were down to the barest of bones. So I have had to rely on a number of very young players. They have not let me down.

"This means that we can go down to Bognor Regis Town on Saturday and enjoy ourselves. We know it is going to be a very difficult game for us, but it will be on one of the best pitches in the league and against one of the best teams too.

"However, we won't have the added burden of looking over our shoulders or wondering about other games.

"All in all, this has probably been the most difficult season in my 11 years in management. Personally and professionally, there has been so much to deal with over the past nine months and there have been some very dark days.

"I would dispute the observation from anyone that we have underperformed as a team this season. We have had the heart and soul of the team missing this year and for a multitude of reasons; in fact only three players have been consistently available all season last year and this - Ollie Sprague, Dave Diedhiou and Kezie Ibe.

"But now we finish the season at Bognor and, 10 days later, can look forward to another London Senior Cup Final. If we can retain the London Senior Cup, all in all, the season won't have been a failure."