The Mariners have been held back by a combination of Covid and play-off heartache in recent years but Monday's 1-0 victory at Whitby Town was enough to take Kevin Phillips' men to the NPL Premier title at the fourth time of asking.
Joyous scenes at both Whitby's Turnbull Ground and back at the Mariners' 1st Cloud Arena home were played out as the north-east club rejoiced in securing a place in Non-League's second tier for the first time in their history.
The nightmare of two playoff defeats against Warrington Town and the two seasons curtailed by the impact of Covid-19 have plagued the Mariners since tentered Step 3 after going up through the NPL Division One North play-offs in 2018-19.
"I am just relieved that we have finally got there and got into the National League North," said charman Thompson, relieved and delighted in equal measure.
This story is from the April 16, 2023 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 16, 2023 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SCOTT'S GOT THE BAND BACK TO FRONT Ks BID
AFTER his unexpectedly brutal sacking by Walton & Hersham, Scott Harris admits he didn't know where his future lie.
THE BEST FOR WESTERN!
THE Western Football League have moved quickly to secure a main sponsor for the upcoming campaign in the form of long-term Non-League supporters Jewsons.
JAMIE MUST START AGAIN
Crellin forced to re-build Bridges
PENN PUSHING RIGHT BUTTONS
RUSS PENN says he can already feel the pulling power of Halesowen Town - and he wants the Yeltz to keep looking up.
SPINKS EYEING MORE SUCCESS
FA VASE winner Dan Spinks is eyeing more glory with Saffron Walden Town after calling time on his Romford reign.
GEORDIES GO LOOKING TO CREATE EVEN MOORE PAIN
Boss Chris ready to defy the odds again at Step 3
BOLD BOBBY GETTING UP AND AT EM
UPBEAT Hemel Hempstead Town boss Bobby Wilkinson believes his capture of highly-rated Ricardo German is proof that his early summer business policy bears dividends.
KIZZI'S BUSY PLANNING HIS WELCOME EFL RETURN
Joe has designs of glory at Bees
ADAM'S READY TO UP THE ANTE
Lakeland looking to steer Linnets
WE WANT TO CAPTURE THE HEARTS OF CORNISH PUBLIC
NEW Truro City manager John Askey is urging the whole of Cornwall to get behind the club's bright new era.