Eastbourne Borough Women’s second place finish in the Sussex County Women & Girls Premier Division has been secured.

That comes after Horsham beat nearest rivals Shoreham, 2-1, on Sunday.

The defeat for Shoreham means the Sports now can’t be caught having won eight league games in a row – a run stretching back to November.

That run includes inflicting champions Saltdean United Development’s only league defeat of the season, as well as big wins over Pagham (10-4), Horsham Sparrows (8-1) and local rivals Eastbourne Town (5-1).

It’s been a dramatic turnaround since Billy Wood’s arrival at Priory Lane, where he joined with the team bottom of the table having suffered three defeats by six goals or more in the first four games.

Boss Wood said: “I’m absolutely delighted with finishing in second place, which in the circumstances feels like winning the league.

“When we came in, the team were bottom of the league, so huge credit must go to the players who have bought into the change in football culture and philosophy and the staff who have delivered it.

“Also a massive thank you to the growing support on matchdays, both home and away, which shows that if you create a positive atmosphere, success is achievable.”

The club will find out in May if they have achieved promotion having applied to be in the ‘promotion pool’ for the next level. This is calculated by spaces available at step six based on success of the team, and facilities.