Despite the ongoing action in the upper tiers of English football, Saturday marked a day of celebration as both AFC Fylde and Worthing FC secured their promotion to the National League.
At the start of the day, Fylde’s promotion wasn’t assured, with South Shields trailing closely behind them with 95 points.
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However, after South Shields fell to a 1-0 defeat against Kidderminster, combined with Fylde’s exhilarating 4-2 win against Merthyr Town—where the Lancashire team had to rally from behind twice—Fylde clinched the National League North title, finishing the season with an impressive 100 points.
“I’m absolutely thrilled,” Fylde manager Craig Mahon shared via the club’s official X account. “This is the best moment of my career. Achieving 100 points and making history for our club is incredible.”
“I feel so lucky to be part of this club, and I hope this is just the beginning. This is what we’ve aspired to, and we aim to replicate the success next season.”
“No matter where this group of players go next, whether they climb higher or remain where they are, they will always be part of this club’s history.”
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With their promotion, Fylde’s captain Corey Whelan may next face his former club, Carlisle United, if they don’t achieve promotion to League Two via the play-offs.
“In this business, believing in ourselves is crucial; no one else will do it for us,” Whelan said on X. “We’ve maintained our belief throughout the year, and reaching 100 points is an incredible feat at any level.”
Meanwhile, in Sussex, Worthing claimed the National League South title, completing an impressive transformation under manager Adam Hinshelwood.
Hinshelwood, who is the father of Brighton & Hove Albion player Jack, took over in October when Worthing was struggling with four losses in ten matches, sitting 15th with just 12 points.
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After achieving their 25th win of the season with a 2-0 victory against Ebbsfleet United, Worthing ended the season with 84 points, securing their passage to the National League.
“There was a moment in January when I couldn’t see this coming,” a visibly moved Hinshelwood told BBC Radio Sussex. “We experienced a tough patch, but our supporters were phenomenal, and with their backing today, I felt invincible.”
“The National League is quite a league. It wasn’t long ago that Jack would come watch us play on a grass pitch with fewer fans and a crumbling stand. To see the turnout today, it’s amazing, and reaching the first tier of non-league football is extraordinary.”
“We look forward to competing against established football league clubs next year; it’s going to be truly exciting.”