DIDCOT Town's class of 2023 wrote themselves into history and club folklore after beating Ware 1-0 at Loop Meadow to seal a first promotion in fourteen years.

The Railwaymen remain unchanged from their semi-final win over Walthamstow, which allowed the trio of Patrick Osbourne, Seth Humphries and Josh Hedges to wreak havoc once more. The latter would be involved from the start, a well-worked move down the right with a cross that Fred Burbridge in the Ware goal couldn't hold properly but was eventually cleared. Burbridge would be tested again minutes later, this time Humphries was the man in the thick of it but a corner is the most that came from it.

The chance of the game was undeniably from livewire Hedges when from around 30 yards he smashed the underside of the bar. What a goal that would've been! The visitors were beginning to grow into the contest but just as chances were coming, a long flat ball from Diddy's own area caused confusion amongst the Ware back-four allowing Osbourne to get in behind before being pulled down on his way into the area. The penalty is given - a big game player is needed.

Up steps Jamar Smith. The Loop holds its breath.

Cool as you like from Smith, a strong contender for player of the season, as he dispatched the spot-kick into the top corner. Pressure? What pressure! Ware looked to respond before the break but there were no clear-cut chances from either side after the goal, with Didcot looking to drop slightly deeper to at least get through the first forty-five.

In front of a crowd of 1,938, breaking last season's final attendance (1,564) a big second half awaited. Humphries was constantly toying with the visitors' offside trap and more often than not being unlucky when through on goal.

Much of the half however was about defending. And defend they did. Ware looked for ways in behind but couldn't muster any major threat on Leigh Bedwell's goal until dangerman Brandon Adams hit a thunderous effort towards him but the reflex save was top-drawer!

Hedges had two good chances to wrap it up and make the heart rates around the stadium ease off but he was met by Burbridge on both occasions. It wasn't to matter.

The full-time whistle led to euphoria on the pitch and the celebrations could begin. DTFC are back in the (Southern) Premier League!