Sutton United were today crowned Ryman Premier League champions for the fifth time in their history.

The Gander Green Lane outfit beat Hastings United 2-1 yesterday thanks to Leroy Griffiths' goal and Andy Forbes' penalty, meaning Bury Town had to beat Cray Wanderers today to have any chance of catching them.

They stumbled to a 2-1 defeat though to leave Sutton 11 points clear with three games to go and secure them Blue Square South football next season.

They play Folkestone Invicta away on Saturday but could be presented with the trophy after their Easter Monday derby with rivals Carshalton Athletic at Gander Green Lane.

Manager Paul Doswell told the club's official website: "There has been pressure all season because we clearly stated at the beginning what our aim was.

"Having finished second last year we were determined not to finish in the play-offs again this season because they are what they are, which is a complete lottery, and looking at the sides scrambling to get in there this year you wouldn’t necessarily fancy yourself against any of them in a one-off game, because everyone’s got ability in this league.

"So it is brilliant that we have achieved what we set out to do and to do it with three games to go is a credit to all the players, and to get nine home league wins on the trot has played a big part in that."

Click here for a picture gallery from the Sutton United fun day