For a season that - 4 minutes old - saw the Binos 2-0 behind and after an hour were still losing, but down to 10 men to end with a championship was somewhat of a surprise.

Although since our visit to Elgin at the end of March where we won at a canter and the same day Dumbarton turned a 1-0 advantage into a 2-1 defeat, a championship was pretty much a certainty.  

But. It still needed clinching. The usual 19 bus 1335 /Inverness train combo was put to use one more time. With the added bonus of St Johnstone fans heading to their home game v Hibs. 

Leaving dreich Edinburgh behind, me and them lads walked from the station to the ground in glorious sunshine. 

1500 others had gathered in the hope that either Dumbarton would fail to beat East Fife or more favourably we'd secure at least a point against Annan. 

1500 was also the kick off time and with Annan looking to ensure their season extended into the play offs, it was an even 1st half. Annan opened the scoring midway thru the half, Annan had the ball in the net a minute later, but this time at the other end. 1-1 at half time.

Jack Leitch scored early in the 2nd half and the party ignited. When Annan went down to 10 with 10 to play and finally the youthful exuberance spilled onto the pitch when Flynn Duffy scored in added time.

The pitch was cleared, the final 2 minutes played, and the pitch was once again awash with red and white.

Cue much singing cheering and clapping- of the 7 promotions in my lifetime, this was the first on home turf.  Montrose, Brechin (via Cowdenbeath), East Fife, Airdrie, East Stirling? and... now finally Stirling itself had witnessed a celebration. 

It was a happy train home. 

The boys went home on a bus, and I went to Hers, for dinner and a cold beer to soothe my tender throat.

Mon the Binos!

Extras Speedy and Alex, with Speedys dad in the background; the boys edging back off the pitch ahead of the conquering heroes returning for a bow in front of the home crowd