Frome Town FC clinched promotion to the Southern League Premier South in front of an ecstatic and packed-out Badgers Hill.
In a thrilling play-off final on Monday, they came from behind to beat Bristol Manor Farm with goals from Sam Teale and two from Kane Simpson.There were wild scenes of jubilation at the final whistle as the Frome fans rushed onto the pitch to envelop the players.
Speaking to Frome Times on the pitch at the end of the game, jubilant manager, Danny Greaves said, “It’s just an unbelievable feeling. People don’t understand what goes into this.
“We got relegated five/six years ago and ever since that day, our aim has been to try and get back into the Southern Prem. It’s been four or five years of hard work. We finished second on three occasions and now we’ve finally managed to get over the line.
“Massive credit to the boys – they’ve been superb all season, and the people behind the scenes, I just spoke to our chairman there, plus the board of directors, the fans, the volunteers, the supporters’ club, the council who helped save the club. There’s an unbelievable amount of work that takes place behind the scenes and this win is for everybody.
“This game had everything, it sums up our four or five years, it’s been a rollercoaster. To miss a penalty and come back and win the game shows great character from the boys.”
In front of the club’s biggest crowd since 1969, The Robins went behind to an 11th minute goal but struck back on 20 minutes through Sam Teale, to leave the sides all-square at the break. A penalty miss from Zak Drew on 67 minutes increased the nerves of the home crowd, but the disappointment didn’t last long as a double from Kane Simpson in the 70th and 76th minutes clinched the win. It means the Robins will play in the Southern League Premier division next season, which is just three levels below the Football League.
Frome earned a place in the play-off final after beating Mousehole 3-0 in the play-off semi-final on Wednesday 1st May. It followed a fantastic season for the Town side who finished second in the Southern League Division One South, with 22 wins and nine draws and just five defeats from their 36 games.
Tributes have been pouring in from delighted fans.
Chris Axon said, “Absolutely phenomenal end to a sensational season. It has been a pleasure to witness it. Enjoying a second celebratory pint, and I raise it to the chairman, the board, the players and the support team. We are a proper club. And next season we will do it all again.”
Paul Holbrow said, “Great win for Frome Town. Great crowd and wonderful atmosphere. Teale was brilliant, fantastic header for his goal. Now for top division, exciting times ahead.”
And there was even a message from South Africa with Matt Crowcombe saying, “Congratulations Frome! We have been supporting you all the way from Cape Town South Africa.”
Gareth Jones said, “Congrats to Frome Town FC and especially to Danny Greaves and Neil Simons… well done everyone!!” while Darren Joyce added, “Well done the Dodge, brilliant performance, 3 great goals, well deserved win. We’re going up.”
