Frenford boss David Forbes hailed his side after a 2-0 win at Hackney Wick clinched the Thurlow Nunn League Division One South title and promotion to the Essex Senior League.

Charlie Heatley broke the deadlock four minutes before half-time, with Raheem Gray adding a second six minutes from time to ensure they finished one point clear of Basildon Town.

And Forbes says the club are keen to keep pushing on as they enter unchartered territory in 2023-24.

"It’s been a great season for us where we have been top of the table since about the end of October," said Forbes.

"We only lost five games in the league, looking strong until the weather in March and missing a few weeks due to cancelled games.

"Our run-in saw us play our title rivals Wormley which we lost in a tight game 2-1, but we then bounced back with couple good wins and faced Basildon at home.

"With only couple minutes left we found ourselves 2-1 down but we went down the other end and 18-year-old Owen James scored a free-kick so we drew 2-2 and ultimately that point won us the league."

Frenford's squad has been a real mixture of experience and youth, with Forbes also grateful for the support of brother Lee as his assistant.

"We have ex-Hashtag United player Simon Peddie, who is 41 and has been outstanding, along with youngsters Billy Karby and striker Raheem Gray, who has scored 22 goals this season," he added.

"Nick Reynolds has been a key player for us but we lost him for the title run-in.

"This is my 16th season in charge of the first team and I've managed to take club from level seven to six and, after couple of lean years, I was determined to build a side capable of at least getting into the play-offs.

"But the players and staff were relentless in our work rate to win it. Bringing my brother Lee in as assistant worked extremely well too, we're close and have worked brilliantly together."

After celebrating their success at the weekend, Frenford are already looking forward to new challenges that await next season.

"The club has the ambition to keep pushing on," said Forbes.

"Next season has already got the club super excited with planning already starting and the opportunity to put ourselves against big clubs like Tilbury, Romford, Barking, Saffron Walden and some good local derbies too.

"We are keen to push ourselves and hold our own in the Essex Senior League."