WITHAM TOWN manager Garry Kimble was delighted to serve up a slice of humble pie to Harlow Town after his side secured promotion to the Ryman Premier League.
Eight days after seeing their dreams of winning the title end with a 1-1 draw at Cheshunt, Kimble's men were simply too good for their much-fancied opponents at Spa Road.
Excellent goals from Seb Murfet, Lee Townrow and Shami Pedulu secured the 3-0 win, which came despite the dismissal of skipper Paul King for a second yellow card in the second half.
Harlow had been the only team to beat Witham on their home turf in the league this season, and revenge was sweet for Kimble.
"I give credit to Harlow," he said. "But what hurt us was when they came down here in the league game and they said to us "see you in the play-offs".
"I'll always remember that, and look what happened today. I hope they eat humble pie.
"I'm ecstatic. I think we were the underdogs coming into the play-offs but I got up this morning and I had a great feeling. I was calm, I wasn't nervous and to put a show on like we did was fantastic from the boys.
"I'm proud to be manager of this club. Where we've come in three years, two promotions and the play-offs is staggering. The profile goes up but, at the end of the day, it's not about me, it's about the players, they deserve everything."
Now just two years after winning promotion from the Essex Senior League, Town will be in the Ryman Premier Division next year, where they will take on the likes of Maidstone United, Billericay Town, Margate and Tonbridge Angels.
And Kimble admits it will be a big ask for his side to compete at that level.
"I need to sit down with the board and go from here because it's going to be a big tall order," he added.
"I think if we finish fifth from bottom we'll have achieved the FA Cup next year.
"We've got some big ties, but it's nice going to play those top sides.."
