AFTER Cardiff Met had drawn with Nottingham University, Stourport men's first team already knew that promotion from England Hockey Midlands Conference to Division One North was confirmed.

However, Stourport knew that a victory over St Albans, their final visitors of the 2023-24 season, was needed to clinch the top spot which was achieved with a 5-1 success.

Stourport responded to having their largest crowd of the season by dominating the early possession and winning a penalty corner after two minutes.

The injection found its way to Dan Hurley who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper for his first National League goal.

Simon Claris doubled the advantage after 13 minutes when he converted one of his trademark drag flicks before Joe Schubert tapped home Stourport's third two minutes later.

Despite being 3-0 ahead at the break, coach Stef Sekula wanted more from the team and Claris scored his second in the opening two minutes of the second half with another powerful drag flick.

St Albans pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute before Leo Delves added a fifth in the 63rd minute.

After achieving their third promotion in three seasons the men will be playing in the EHA National League Division One second tier next season.