RAYLEIGH Town are celebrating being crowned Essex Olympian Premier Division champions.

Wednesday night's 1-0 win against Sungate at the Aspect Arena made sure of the title for Town.

And vice president Derik Lamont felt it was deserved reward for the team. 

"It was a fantastic night for the club and deserved reward for our dedicated management team and players," said Lamont.

"The game had a bit of everything.

"An early injury to Sungate's Lee Samways saw a 15 minute break in proceedings whilst he received treatment and was stretchered off.

"We wish him a speedy recovery.

"When we got back underway we took the lead half way through the second half through a great strike from Joe Olley and then five minutes before full-time we had a floodlight failure.

"However the officials were happy with the lighting from the three remaining floodlights and the game concluded with scenes of great celebration. "

Rayleigh won 22 of their 26 games to win the league by four points.

And Lamont remains delighted to have achieved this season's main objective.

"To win the league and gain promotion was everyone's ambition at the beginning of August and for that to happen is fantastic for everyone at the club," said Lamont.

"But our season is not yet over as we look to complete a unique double when we take on Brightlingsea Town from the Essex & Suffolk Border League next Wednesday at Aveley FC Parkside Stadium in the final of the BBC Essex Premier Cup."