HUNGERFORD Town celebrated promotion to National South in front of nearly 1,400 fans at Bulpit Lane on Monday.

Crusaders completed an historic week by beating Leamington 2-1 in the Southern Premier play-off final.

Earlier, Bobby Wilkinson’s men were forced to come back from 2-0 down against Hitchin in last Wednesday’s semi-final before winning 3-2 to book a showdown with Leamington.

And Monday’s stunning victory means Hungerford will be playing at the highest level in the club’s history next season, and will be only two more promotions away from reaching the Football League.

It has been an incredible turnaround at Bulpit Lane and Crusaders can put their struggles of years gone by well and truly behind them.

Not long ago they were struggling in the Swindon League and later relegated from the Hellenic Premier.

But since reclaiming their Southern league status, Hungerford have not looked back.

It has, as chairman Steve Skipworth said, taken a true team effort by the Crusaders.

“The committee would like to thank everyone who made Monday’s play-off final such a great success,” he said.

“Everyone did a fantastic job, especially the volunteers who worked so hard for days before the game and then on the day with car parking, gate, tea bar, kitchen, barbecue, bar and board room duties. That’s not forgetting programme sellers and stewards to name just a few, the list is endless.”

Bulpit Lane was packed to the rafters with a Bank Holiday crowd. Both goalkeepers were at their best in the early stages with Hungerford’s Paul Strudley and Leamington’s Tony Breeden making important saves.

James Clark then went close for the hosts, but Leamington took the lead in the 21st minute when Crusaders failed to clear a corner and Courtney Baker-Richardson netted.

As the rain became heavier, Hungerford almost equalised when Garyn Preen’s effort was cleared off the line.

But as the weather relented, so Crusaders grew stronger and they levelled on 64 minutes when Stefan Brown raced onto Matt Day’s long ball and slotted past Breeden.

As the chances dried up, the clash was heading for extra time. But with five minutes to go, Crusaders took the lead when Preen’s corner was headed home by Mike Jones and they held on to secure an historic victory and promotion to the national leagues.

Hungerford were also forced to come from behind in their semi-final at Hitchin last week.

Another bumper 1,300 crowd saw hosts Hitchin go in front on 57 minutes through Brett Donnelly and double their lead two minutes later through Robbie Burns.

But Scott Rees pulled one back in the 64th minute before James Clarke make it 2-2 soon after. Crusaders sealed their place in the final thanks to Brown’s 84th minute winner.

Hungerford v Leamington: Strudley, Horgan, Tyler, Jones, Day, Rees (Rusby), Clark, Herring, Jarvis, Brown, Preen (Goodger) Subs: Draycott, John, Boardman.

NEWBURY ended their Thames Valley League Premier campaign with a 2-1 loss to Mortimer on Saturday.

Leroy Clarke was on target for Newbury who finished fifth in the table.

Reading YMCA wrapped up the title with a match to spare after a 5-0 win against Marlow. Jamie Piercey (2), Matt Drake, Dan Donegan and Darrel Fairbrother scored.