Shoreham are back where they belong in division one of the Rich City County League.

That is the verdict of manager Roger Brace after seeing his side become the first team in Sussex this season to win promotion.

Shoreham returned to the top flight of Sussex football after a two-year absence following a 1-0 win over Mile Oak on Easter Monday, with Martin O'Donnell's 54th minute penalty proving decisive.

Brace, who took over as manager after Shoreham were relegated two years ago, said: "Quite clearly the objective for the season was to finish in the top three. Therefore our expectations have been achieved. Anything more will be a bonus.

"Last season was my first at Shoreham and was one of consolidation, re-establishing the club on an even keel.

"If you look at tradition and history, the club had a couple of spells outside the first division, but generally they have been first division."

Brace's experience of second division football, having previously spent five years as manager of Southwick, has been key to this season's success.

He said: "At no time this season have myself or anyone else said, 'We are a good side'. We have tried to keep a low profile and taken each game as it comes.

"Our success has been based on hard work and good team spirit. We have not got any superstars in the side.

"With my experience in the second division over the last four years I know you cannot play too much football.

"We had a clear objective about how we would play. We got players together we thought would battle for us, although that is not to say they are not good players."

Spirits were low at the club last summer, with constant vandalism costing the committee headaches and hard cash.

That problem still exists and only last weekend a goal net was stolen from Middle Road, which will cost the club £400 to replace.

Brace said: "When you get things like promotion, it makes you appreciate other people around the club as well as the playing side.

"John Bell, the chairman, and his wife have put so much into the club. They get knockbacks but things like this make it worthwhile."

Brace, who admits he has been indebted to the experience of club coach Jason Rutherford, says he will have to strengthen the side for division one football.

"It is a different standard," he said: "We will need to add three or four more experienced players. Basically, we have had a very young side this season. We will need three or four players who, while not necessarily coming to the end of their careers, have had ten years football behind them at this level."

While Shoreham were celebrating on Monday, it was a sad day for Storrington who were relegated following a 2-0 defeat at Lancing. Bottom side Bosham had been relegated two days earlier.

While Shoreham are currently top of the second division, Rye and Iden United remain favourites for the title as they trail the leaders by two points with four games in hand.