Winchester City's players and staff returned to a heroes' welcome at their home ground last night.

The team pulled into the Denplan ground at Abbotts Barton at around 10pm to massive cheers from around 200 fans who couldn't wait to welcome them back.

They all knew the party was well and truly starting when the players strode in with the coveted silverware held aloft and ripe for the trophy cabinet.

Dazzling fireworks soared into the night sky above the endless mix of hugs, kisses, toasts, slaps on the backs and congratulations.

City's historic victory, meanewhile, will put the county town on the sporting map for the first time.

That was the view of the city's MP Mark Oaten and the deputy mayor, Councillor Cecily Sutton.

Oaten, who was at the final, said: "It was fantastic. At one point in the second half they looked a bit tired. We should have been three or four nil up at half-time. In the second half Sudbury came back but City hung on.

"The atmosphere was fantastic.

"This is really good news for all sport in the city.

"It will give everybody in Winchester a smile on their face when they get in to work on Monday.

"If all the 2,000 people who came to the match today get more involved with the club it will really help them to grow."

Mr Oaten has played an important role in brokering better relations between the club and the city council which owns its ground at Abbotts Barton.

Councillor Sutton, attending the match as deputy mayor, said: "It's been absolutely tremendous, I'm really thrilled and thoroughly enjoyed it.

"There was tremendous support from everyone.

"To see all the red and black in the crowd was fabulous. The city has really got behind the team and it has been a really good day.

"There will be a real feelgood factor.

"In 1976 when Southampton won the FA Cup, people who had never heard of football donned the colours and went out with a smile of their face.

"I'm only sorry that another Hampshire side, Aldershot, only just failed to get back into the Football League."

Mrs Sutton is hosting a civic reception for the club at Abbey House tomorrow night from 7-9pm.