Eastleigh's promotion party had a bitter-sweet feel to it after Paul Doswell's men had another of their off-days at the Sparshatts Stadium.

But despite falling to a 2-1 home defeat by jinx side Sittingbourne, last season's Wessex League champions can uncork the champagne again knowing that a top-seven Eastern Division finish is guaranteed.

As far as director of football Mark Dennis is concerned, he would rather save his celebrations for Wednesday night after what he hopes will be a vastly improved performance at home to fellow promoted club Folkestone Invicta.(7.45).

Dennis reflected: "Fortunately the results went for us on Saturday with Bashley and Banbury losing, but we didn't play at all well ourselves. It was one of those disinterested, end of season games that never got started.

"That said, we're sitting in fourth place and that's a fine achievement for our first season in the Southern League. It's reflects well on everyone from the president and chairman through to the management and coaching staff that we're going into the Premier Division.

"To be honest," the ex-Saint admitted, "I wouldn't have stayed if we hadn't got promoted because I would have judged that as a failure.

"With the side we had, I expected us to finish in the top six and if you don't set yourself standards, then you're not going to go much higher."

Although Paul Sales, the Eastern Division leading marksman, again found the target for Eastleigh - his 27th DML/Cup goal of the season - it was sandwiched between two second-half goals from Brickies skipper Jamie Coyle.

"That's six points we've lost to Sittingbourne this season and, with respect, we should be beating teams like that," said manager Doswell.