SCENES of jubilation greeted the final whistle as Calne won promotion to the Screwfix Western League's Premier Division after a nail-biting night at Bremhill View.
Champagne was sprayed, Klinsmann dives copied across the pitch and a mini ground invasion was staged by young fans but none of this had seemed likely with only seven minutes left on the clock.
With no converted opportunities and Radstock threatening to spoil the party by winning away to Chard Town, even the most ardent Calne fan feared the worst.
But Steve Casey leapt highest to meet Glenn Armstrong's corner to power home a header from 15 yards.
Hero Casey said: "Just before it came across I told Kevin Banks and Darren Smart to move out of the way because I knew it was coming my way.
"It was a brilliant feeling and I just ran towards our players."
After several seasons without success the Lilly Whites pressed hard in an even match.
Even the elements seemed to conspire against them with the pitch bombarded with rain, but nothing could dampen the spirits of the home team at the end.
Proud manager Kelvin Highmore said he knew the game would be difficult: "Nothing would have pleased them more than spoiling the party.
"They played well and did some good stuff but Gardner, Casey and Smart were never going to concede a goal and threw in some great last ditch challenges.
"Casey's a great player. We signed him after he was at Paulton Rovers and he has been superb.
"He's popped up with about four goals in four games. We thought we may not make it until the last five minutes but we didn't give up.
"There was no way we were going to lose after that goal.
"Nights like this don't come along that often in local football.
"The way I see it is if you finish in the top five in any league you have done well.
"Simon Hillier and I have worked hard to get them here but it is all down to the players and how they perform when they cross that line."
Long-serving Smart, who has been playing through a groin injury since Christmas, was delighted with the result meaning derbies against Corsham, Melksham and Devizes next season, pending final results.
"It was not the best game to be out there in but it was always going to be scrappy," said Smart.
"This is great for the club and hopefully we will compete next year."
Calne had the better of the first half chances but slippery conditions meant Ben Moore fell when he had a golden opportunity on eight minutes.
In the second half Casey warmed up for his goal with a break down the left hand side, swinging in a cross shot which was tipped away by Larkhall's Mark Burge.
Larkhall then had several opportunities of their own, the best being Sion Kitson's blocked shot after Gareth Evans had been beaten.
Calne are now looking for more glory this weekend when the travel to Backwell United in the Les Phillips Cup semi final.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article