East of Scotland League, First Division Conference B: Edinburgh South 0 Oakley United 1, Oakley United are champions

STEWART KENNY has said he is "immensely proud" of his Oakley United team after they clinched what he described as an "unexpected" promotion.

The Blairwood Park team signed off a brilliant season in the best way possible by winning the East of Scotland League, First Division, Conference B title on the final day of the season.

Having missed the chance to lift the trophy at home seven days previously, when they lost to Heriot-Watt University, Oakley made no mistake on Saturday as Johnny Harrison proved to be their hero, scoring the all-important goal in the 72nd minute.

The visitors had piled on the pressure for most of the first half, and will have felt unlucky not to have been in front, but as the clock ticked on, it was getting increasingly nervy for all associated with the club.

However, some inspired substitutions changed the game in Oakley's favour, including that of Harrison.

He found himself in a quick break down the right, breaking free from the defence and into a one-on-one with the Edinburgh goalkeeper, who he sidefooted the ball past to score.

Despite the huge celebrations after the goal, the visitors remained professional and fended off some late pressure to seal the win, which ensures they will join West Fife rivals Crossgates Primrose, Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts and Hill of Beath Hawthorn in the Premier League next season.

"I'm immensely proud of all the players at the club. These guys don't come in for the money, they come in to play at a decent level," Kenny said.

"To get to the Premier League this quick is unexpected but everyone is over the moon with it and, hopefully, we can sustain a position there."

The Oakley players, management team and committee showed off the silverware at Blairwood on Tuesday evening and Kenny, who joined Oakley from Tullibody Amateurs in October 2018, continued: "It's the proudest I've ever felt.

"I’ve won loads as a player at different levels but nothing comes close to what I’m feeling for these players. It’s not about me, it’s all about the players. It’s the biggest achievement of my career, the same for my assistant, Peter (Kelly).

"We’ve gone from youth to amateur level to taking the step up to here. I’ve got to thank Oakley for giving me this opportunity and I’m delighted to have been able to repay them this way.

"The players were obviously loving it; I’m sure its all over social media. We got back and went into Oakley's club and we made sure we had a right good night. I definitely had a sore head on Sunday morning I can assure you of that!

"I think we’re all just taking it in now. If you had said to me six months ago where we would be, I would’ve said no chance as Preston and Glenrothes were firmly in the driver's seat.

"We made sure we got the points on the board, thankfully they slipped up, we got over the line and what an achievement."

Preparations are already under way for next season, with Kenny adding: "I’ll take a few days off and reflect on the season but then we’re back to working out contracts for next season and putting together a side that could compete in the Premier League.

"We’ve got to make sure we have a good pre-season and that the squad is ready to go."