Gorleston manager Richard Daniels was yesterday not only celebrating the Greens clinching the Ridgeons First Division championship, but his 43rd birthday.

The silverware was secured as Gorleston drew 1-1 at home to Safron Walden, the goal coming from Ali McKenna, his 11th in 14 games since he was signed.

'It has been a long, hard season. We have finally done it. The last few points to get you over the line are the hardest to get.

'With the number of games to play, and players carrying injuries, it has been very hard.

'But with the performances of the players, and the work in the club, we deserve it,' said Daniels.

Only the players get paid, he said. 'Jimmy Jones (the club president), the committee and everyone else put in the effort solely for the love of the club.

'It has been a team effort, I am proud of the whole club, and everyone who has pulled on the shirt has done the club proud.'

He added ruefully: 'My hard work starts now, I have got to start planning for next season. Yarmouth went up last season, we have now joined them and Diss have come up as well. We want all the Norfolk clubs up there in the Premier Division.'

He expected Thetford, on current form, to make a serious bid for the Premier Division next season, and felt Wayne Johnson's young Fakenham side could also make a challenge.