Worthing club St Mary's are top of their league, yet they didn't pick up their first point until November.

The Worthing and District League Division Two team had gone 18 months without managing even a draw until their 3-3 scoreline with Broadwater Saints.

It took them until mid-December before they won their first match, 2-0 against Lancing United C.

But last Saturday, they completed the double against Lancing and hit top spot to complete a remarkable turnaround for the club.

Secretary Paul Campbell admitted: "This is beyond our wildest expectations. I only said in November that we were not even thinking about promotion, let alone talking about it, after getting that first point.

"But now it is possible and everyone at the club is happy about it."

St Mary's were relegated from Division One last season after finishing as wooden spoonists with no points.

Tony Iago was appointed manager and after a couple of months sorting out the team, his managerial skills are paying dividends.

Tony, who had never managed a football side until now, drafted in a few new players and installed a winning team spirit.

He said: "It is the players who have done all the hard work. We had to make some changes and bring some new players in. It took a little while to settle, but now things are looking up."

The club have never once lost heart. In fact, St Mary's are one of the most respected teams in Sussex.

Their emphasis on fair play has won many friends. And in their three seasons as a Worthing League club, they have not finished outside the top three of the sportsmanship table. The season before last they were worthy winners.

Paul explained: "We've always been keen to play in a sporting manner. To win the Sportsmanship Award is more important to the club than winning championships.

"That gives us the greatest satisfaction."

League secretary Laurie Claydon said: "I am personally delighted for them because they are genuine. They enjoy their football and are always supportive towards the league over matters.

"They are doing extremely well in the sportsmanship stakes at the moment and one of the frontrunners to take this season's prize."

Fair play might be the most important thing to St Mary's - but wouldn't they be made up if they were to complete a Division Two championship and league sportsmanship double?

Send us your stories. Every club in Sussex must have one to tell. Call Justin Allen on 01273 544581 or e-mail him at justin.allen@argus-btn.co.uk and he will be glad to hear from you.